About Jacqueline Murphy, MFA

I’m a garden writer and horticulture‑trained editor who helps gardens, design firms, nonprofits, and publishers tell clear, grounded, beautifully structured stories about plants and place. My work sits at the intersection of horticulture, design, and narrative; translating technical knowledge into writing that feels accessible, accurate, and alive.

My editorial background spans magazines, books, landscape project narratives, and mission‑driven environmental content. I’ve collaborated with designers, horticulturists, curators, and communications teams to shape everything from plant profiles and garden features to long‑form manuscripts and interpretive materials. I’m especially drawn to projects that connect people to the living world through practical guidance and thoughtful storytelling.

I’ve studied and practiced horticulture and landscape design in Massachusetts, California, New York, and Virginia. Those hands‑on experiences — in college, botanical gardens, historical sites, nurseries, and design studios — continues to inform my writing and editing. I understand how plants grow, how gardens function, and how to communicate that knowledge with clarity and care.

I hold an MFA in Literature and Creative Nonfiction from Bennington College, a BA in Art and Architecture from Smith College, and professional training in technical communication and nonprofit writing. I’m originally from the North Shore of Long Island, NY and currently work remotely from Arlington, Virginia.