P. Allen Smith: Master Garden Designer and Lifestyle Expert
P. Allen Smith is a renowned American television host, garden designer, and conservationist who has dedicated his career to blending the art of horticulture with a sustainable lifestyle. As a fourth-generation nurseryman and horticulturalist, Smith combines deep family roots in plant science with a sophisticated global perspective on design to inspire gardeners across the United States.
Through his various media platforms, including public television and a series of influential books, Smith provides practical guidance on creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. His work emphasizes the connection between the garden and the home, advocating for a lifestyle where nature and living spaces exist in harmony.
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Key Facts
- Profession: Television host, garden designer, conservationist, and author.
- Education: Graduate of Hendrix College (1983) with advanced studies in garden design at the University of Manchester.
- Notable Properties: The original Garden Home in Little Rock and the 500-acre Moss Mountain Farm.
- Major Honors: Inductee of the Taste Hall of Fame and recipient of the Garden Club of America's Medal of Honor.
- Conservation Work: Founder of the Heritage Poultry Conservancy.
Professional Journey and Education
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and raised in McMinnville, Tennessee, Smith's expertise is built on a foundation of generational knowledge. After graduating from Hendrix College in 1983, he received a Rotary International Scholarship to study garden design and history at the University of Manchester in England. During this time, he studied historic English gardens, including those visited by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in the 18th century.
Upon returning to the U.S., Smith joined his family's nursery and design business in Little Rock, where he focused on reviving interest in perennials (plants that live for more than two years). His career expanded as he became a private guide for European garden tours and a gardening workshop instructor, which eventually paved the way for his transition into television.
Design Firm and Preservation
Smith operates P. Allen Smith & Associates, a design firm specializing in garden installation and estate master planning for private corporations, family estates, and public institutions. His commitment to preservation extends to historic American landmarks; he has contributed to efforts at George Washington's Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. He also served as a Board Member of the Royal Oak Foundation, the American partner of England's National Trust.
Television and Literary Contributions
Smith is widely recognized for his presence on public television. He hosts P. Allen Smith's Garden Home and P. Allen Smith's Garden to Table, both distributed by American Public Television. Additionally, his syndicated 30-minute program, Garden Style, reaches a broad audience through The Television Syndication Company. His expertise has also been featured on national programs such as the NBC Today Show, the CBS Early Show, and The Weather Channel.
As an author, Smith has published a comprehensive series of books through Clarkson Potter/Random House and Hortus. His writings range from technical guides on bulb and rose gardens to lifestyle books like Bringing the Garden Indoors and the cookbook Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.
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Iconic Garden Properties
Smith's design philosophy is best exemplified by his two primary properties in Arkansas.
The Original Garden Home
Located in the historic Quapaw Quarter of Little Rock, this 1904 Colonial Revival cottage was purchased for one dollar under the condition that Smith relocate and restore the home. The surrounding garden was specifically designed to illustrate his 12 principles of design, which serve as the foundation for his first book.
Moss Mountain Farm
Also known as the Garden Home Retreat, this 500-acre estate on the Arkansas River dates back to 1840. The property features an eco-friendly Greek Revival cottage, a croquet lawn, and a fountain garden. The farm is a biodiversity hub, featuring:
- Orchards with heritage apple trees, blueberries, and stone fruit.
- A one-acre vegetable garden and wildflower fields.
- A "daffodil hill" featuring over 300,000 blooms every spring.
- Mobile chicken homes and various barns.
Summary of Career Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Shows | Garden Home, Garden to Table, Garden Style |
| Key Awards | Taste Hall of Fame (2015), GCA Medal of Honor (2006) |
| Conservation | Founder of Heritage Poultry Conservancy (2009) |
| Professional Affiliations | Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society, Member of the Order of St John |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heritage Poultry Conservancy?
Founded by P. Allen Smith in 2009, it is an organization dedicated to the preservation and support of all threatened breeds of domestic poultry.
Where is Moss Mountain Farm located?
Moss Mountain Farm is located on the banks of the Arkansas River near Little Rock, Arkansas.
What are the 12 principles of design?
These are the design foundations developed by Smith and illustrated in his original Garden Home, which also serve as the basis for his first book.
Which awards has P. Allen Smith won for his television work?
Smith has won four Taste Awards, including the 2017 Taste Award for "Best Green or Organic Program," and was inducted into the Taste Hall of Fame in 2015.
What is the significance of the original Garden Home's purchase price?
Smith purchased the 1904 cottage for one dollar, a price contingent upon him receiving permission from the local historical commission to move and restore the home within the city.