In this month's episode of The Plantastic Podcast, I chat with Jack McCoy about his journey from childhood gardening in Knoxville to becoming a thoughtful garden designer envisioning southeastern landscapes. Jack shared how what began as a chore with his father grew into a deep passion for plants and landscapes. We discuss his pivotal experiences, from designing a rain garden at UT Knoxville to studying at the Inchbald School of Design. Jack also worked at Great Dixter where he learned to revere the soil and to embrace the dynamic nature of planting combinations. He also shares insights from his work at the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, observing plants in their native habitats and developing propagation techniques. Jack explores the concept of mass and void in garden design, his practice of using a notebook to document observations, ideas, and lessons learned, and more. Enjoy the show!