Jon Carloftis

Jon Carloftis recently signed on with HGTV as a member of HGTV's TrendSmart Panel. As a member of this eight-member panel, Jon will provide insight and advice to HGTV and their followers on current and future trends in gardening. Look for Jon at garden shows, network promotional and advertising events, television, Internet, web casts and pod casts. Listen too for Jon's upcoming interviews with Nancy Glass, host of HGTV's ON THE RADIO, the program that airs daily on XM satellite's women's channel, Take 5.

The purpose of this article, the first of my first newsletter dedicated to gardening, is to introduce myself. My career and expertise as a "rooftop gardener" in New York City may prove interesting to you. Although most often introduced as a "rooftop gardener", I more appropriately describe myself as a specialist in small space gardening. For whether you live on a 100-acre estate, in suburbia, or in the city with a rooftop or balcony, everyone uses that small space just outside his or her home's door. I specialize in making this spot beautiful. My gardens and approach to gardening, I hope, are fresh, uplifting, inspiring and timeless.

Some eighteen years ago I left Kentucky and the University of Kentucky for the rooftop terraces and landscapes of New York City and throughout the United States. I've been very fortunate in my career for my garden designs have graced the many pages of Metropolitan Home, Garden Design, County Home, Country Gardens and House Beautiful. My work and garden ideas have also been featured on HGTV, Martha Stewart and Style TV. My style is further reflected in my lines of home furnishings, garden accessories and design ideas selected expressly for my home and garden store, the Rockcastle River Trading Company, located in Livingston, Kentucky. Here, my mother Lucille (Momma) still welcomes visitors with her genteel Southern hospitality.

I'm the last of six children and grew up on the banks of the Rockcastle River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. There I began a love affair with nature culminating in recognition as one of the nation's premier garden designers. I remain flattered. I attended the University of Kentucky where I earned a degree in communications and also studied horticulture and art history. In 1988 I moved to New York City introducing myself to rooftop owners on the Upper East Side via a few kind doormen and simple business cards. Delighted clients passed my name along to fellow art collectors, entrepreneurs and entertainers, all eager for fresh, innovative garden designs.

In February 2005, my first book, First a Garden, was introduced during the first lecture of my 2005 garden lecture series. Simultaneously, my garden website was launched. Via this website, you'll have assess to my garden newsletter (The Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens Newsletter). Access both sources to learn more about my roots, exciting new garden projects (even before garden magazines get the scoop), updates to my lecture series, garden / style products that I've featured and recommend in monthly garden publications and use every day in my gardens, and more. Enjoy my gardens.

Jon Carloftis

"Jon is just so talented, but he's so amazingly humble about it. For someone so young to be so committed to giving back to his home state like he is, is really inspiring."
- Dinah Taylor, Williamsburg's University of the Cumberlands

Dinah Taylor is the wife of James H. Taylor, president of Williamsburg's University of the Cumberlands. Jon designed and installed the Carloftis Garden on the Cumberland campus as a tribute to his late father as well as his mother and older siblings who are alumni. Jon makes time to speak regularly at Kentucky garden club events. He continues to donate his talents to gardens at the University of Kentucky Arboretum, Ashland (the Henry Clay Estate), and Kentucky's Humane Society. Join Jon and photographers from Southern Living Magazine during the 2006 Freedom Fest at Calumet Farms (July 21-22) to support Lexington, Kentucky's Humane Society.

In First a Garden, premier garden designer Jon Carloftis takes us on a pictorial journey through some of his finest gardens that make up this impressive body of work. In this stunningly beautiful book Jon allows us the rare glimpse into the gardens of some of Manhattan's most prestigious addresses. We travel along as if witnessing the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, for these remarkable private retreats flourish high atop the buildings that make up the New York skyline. They are a testament to the conviction and genius of Jon Carloftis, whose inspired vision has been brought to fruition in the gardens of the Estee Lauder family, and actors Julianne Moore and Edward Norton Jr.

As the title suggest, every formidable accomplishment has a beginning. In First a Garden we are invited to Rockcastle County, Kentucky, Jon's boyhood home where the story of his intimate relationship with nature began. We are given a personal tour of the pastoral gardens that Jon designed along the banks of the Rockcastle River upon the lands of the homestead that his family has inhabited for a half of a century. And finally we are given privileged access into the gardens of Jon's own private retreat in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

This 128 page book featuring over 197 color photos is an inspirational expose exquisitely portrayed through the discerning lens of highly regarded New York photographer, Helen Norman (www.helennorman.com). Helen's love of beauty combined with Jon's talent for creating it, are a magical combination. And whether one is an avid gardener or an admirer of all things beautiful, those who chose to walk through its pages are the beneficiaries of this great partnership.

- Elaine Fisher, Author & Master Gardener / Chicago, Illinois

Order your copy of First a Garden (published in Italy) online at www.joncarloftis.com (visit the Media & Publications / Books section for more details) or at select stores. Showcased are gardens Jon has designed and installed right outside the door of his own homes (both in Kentucky and in his current Bucks County, PA home away-from-home) in addition to sneak peaks at the many private gardens he has placed at the top of the world. The book is visually inspiring. In addition to some of his garden philosophies that have remained true throughout his carrier, he shares with readers his favorite annuals, perennials, flowers, vines, and shrubs that grow well in containers and in tough conditions. These favorites will thrive in your garden too.

To create Jon Jon and the Green Experiment, the second book written as part of this initiative, I solicited the imaginations of Dale and Scott Patrick Fisher. Dale traveled with Momma, "the girls" and I during my 2005 Garden Lecture Series to research and help write this garden tale. At the Sowa Private School in Kyoto, Japan, brother Scott Patrick Fisher continues his career as an elementary school instructor. He soon discovered how helpful his "cartoon doodles" were to his Japanese students in better understanding daily lessons. To the delight of school administrators, his colorful creations and stylish sense of humor made learning fun. Scott Patrick furthers his list of career accomplishments by bringing to life the lessons Jon Jon learns in this children's book.

My inspiration to garden came first from Daddy. Daddy died unexpectedly in 1981. I'm often told how unfortunate it is that he was unable to share my good fortune as a gardener and to, more importantly, witness my efforts to encourage children to garden just as he had done for me. I assure everyone, "He knows." I dedicate the success of lessons learned from this book to my Daddy. Please look for this book on my website (www.joncarloftis.com) later this year. Please pass this book on to those you cherish.

Jon Carloftis


In July 2005, Country Gardens magazine began their story on my family, profiling the gardens I have designed and installed for my family and share with the many customers who visit my store (Rockcastle River Trading Company) located just across the footbridge on our property. While I'm the owner of this store, Momma claims she's the boss and greets everyone that comes through our door with Southern hospitality. Readers will find the reasons my parents moved to Rockcastle County along the Rockcastle River and the business they built and operated for fifty years equally fascinating. Look for your Country Gardens (Summer 2006) publication for the gorgeous results. "Always Welcome" (pgs 30 - 32): The Carloftises share their warm Kentucky hospitality with everyone who steps into their family-run store (the Rockcastle River Trading Company). "Return to Rockcastle River" (pgs 78 - 85): Garden designer Jon Carloftis traces his passion for plants and style straight back to this family heritage and his Kentucky roots. Past articles on JonÕs childhood home, gardens and home & garden store, the Rockcastle River Trading Company, can be found in 2006 publications of Kentucky Living, Garden Shed and Country Home magazines. Look for even more from Southern Living and Kentucky Homes & Gardens magazines in 2007, as well from author Sally Campbell (granddaughter of Rip Van Winkle Bourbon) who is currently working on a book showcasing the movers-and-shakers of Kentucky.


	Country Home (February) "Sleepover Heaven" (pgs 84-91): How an enterprising couple transformed a small utility barn into a cozy guest cottage to welcome visitors with authentic country charm. Gardens by and produced by Jon Carloftis Garden Rooms (Spring) "Quick-Change Seasonal" (pgs 40 - 49): Give outdoor spaces instant impact by changing container plants each season. It's easy with the combos we've put together in a 36-inch-diameter urn and a 24-inch galvanized metal tub. Find Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter - formal & informal ideas. Produced by Jon Carloftis Vegetable Gardening Made Easy (2006) " e Tale of Two Gardens" (pgs 16 - 29): Two gardeners (Mary Culver in Rancho Santa Fe, California & Jon Carloftis in Bucks County, Pennsylvania) on separate coasts find their love of growing vegetables connects them with family, community, and the earth. Featuring gardens of Jon Carloftis Martha Stewart Living (Special Gardening Issue) - (March) "Southern Charm" (pgs 170-177): Join a Pennsylvania gardener and his family as they gather for a low-country meal with high style. e potting shed next to a garden designer's 1850's farmhouse is the perfect setting for a casual home-cooked meal. With dry-cured country ham, flaky biscuits and two pies. Featuring Bucks County, PA home and gardens of Jon Carloftis Garden Rooms (Summer) "A Playhouse for Grown-ups" (pgs 88 - 93): Although it started life as a place for storing tools, this fetching cedar shed is now much more - a little garden house and delightful backyard destination. Produced by Jon Carloftis. Kentuckians - You may recognize Beverly Fortune. She is Lexington, Kentucky's Garden Editor of the Lexington Herald Newspaper. "Water Music" (pgs 24 - 31): Add the pleasures of sound and motion to a garden room. Whatever your garden's style or your home's architecture - contemporary, country, formal, European, naturalistic, Mediterranean, Asian, or old-world - you'll find a fountain to complement it. One of the seven water features on the following pages is perfect for your patio or terrace. Produced by Jon Carloftis Metropolitan Home (June) Jon Carloftis, landscape designer (pg 74): "I tell busy clients not to set themselves up for disappointment by taking on a demanding garden. Something I call the 1-2-3 Step involves just three containers: one near you door. It maximizes your satisfaction, since you'll walk past all three every day. To make it even simpler, limit the contents to a single plant - something visually arresting like elephant ears. Or, if the space is shady, a selloum has the same dramatic impact." - Jon Carloftis Garden Rooms (Spring) "Entertaining Under Glass" (pgs 27 - 31): From neglected outbuilding to romantic outdoor destination, a double greenhouse in Kentucky receives the Cinderella treatment. Interior designs by and produced by Jon Carloftis Garden Structures (2006) "Instant Outdoor Room" (pgs 52 - 53): Create a stunning garden room in minutes using a metal gazebo or pavilion. Take your cue form the dining area, poolside cabana, and quiet retreat featured here. Produced by Jon Carloftis

In February 2005, Jon began his 2005 Garden Lecture Series in Nashville, Tennessee at the 2005 Nashville Antique and Garden Show. Jon was honored to be their keynote speaker, following in the footsteps of Prince Edward of England and Martha Stewart. At this event, he unveiled his garden book - First a Garden. Before year's end, he spoke to more than 10,000 garden enthusiasts in 25 cities and 11 states and nearly sold out the first printing. Stops at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, PA; the Forbes Museum for his New York book debut; the Calumet Horse Farm in Lexington, KY; and the Rockcastle River Trading Company (his fine garden and home accessory store) were highlights of his 2005 series. In 2006 Jon is scheduled to visit 20 cities and 10 states. For up-to-date lecture series information, visit Jon's website (www.joncarloftis.com). (visit the Media & Publications / Lecture section for more details). Listed below are Jon's remaining 2006 scheduled garden events:
• July 15 Land Conservancy Garden Tour (in Jon Carloftis' Pennsylvania private garden) / Erwinna, PA
• July 21 Woodford Humane Society at Calumet Farm / Lexington, KY
• July 22 Lexington Kentucky Farmers' Market - Q & A / Lexington, KY
• September 20-21 HGTV TrendSmart Meeting / Knoxville, TN
• October 7 University of Kentucky Arboretum Fundraiser / Lexington, KY
• October 11 Women's Club of Louisville / Louisville, KY
• October 14 Architectural Digest Magazine Symposium, New York City, NY
• October 15 Tribeca Loft Tour, New York City, NY
• October 16-17 Kentucky Educational Television filming of Jon's gardens in PA and NY
• October 29 Architectural Digest Magazine Symposium, Los Angeles, CA
• November 18 Rockcastle River Trading Company (Christmas Open House) / Livingston, KY
• November 26 Essex Falls Garden Club / Essex Falls, NJ

Historically bell jars, acting as mini green houses to warm the soil, were used in the garden to protect tender plants from cool nights - and hungry critters too. They still can be. But, I've come up with ideas to use these beautiful glass pieces year-round, and not just in the garden. If you missed me on Martha Stewart last year discussing these ideas, be on the look out for an upcoming story in Country Home magazine profiling the inexpensive ways to style your dining table every month using living centerpieces and classic garden bell and apothecary jars, all in effort to enjoy the garden year round in style.

To learn more about bell jars (apothecary jars and terrariums too), visit Jon's website at www.joncarloftis.com (Rockcastle River Trading Company / On-line Shopping (Jon's Favorites) section). And for those of you with a copy of my book, First a Garden, turn to pages 33, 41, 50, 78, 95, 99, 102 & 108 to see how best to use these products.