Richard Hawke
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DesignGrow the Best Red-Hot Pokers – Planting Guide and Trial Results
Like many northern gardeners, I had red-hot poker envy for many years but ruled out growing them because of their iffy chances of surviving winter in my region. However, I…
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How-ToTips and Tricks for Growing Heucheras Successfully
Heucheras are somewhere in between plant-them-and-forget-them perennials and high-maintenance divas. At home in garden beds and superstars in containers, they will reward you handsomely when given proper conditions and care.…
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DesignExpert-Tested New Heucheras That Are Better Than the Classics
Who remembers when ‘Palace Purple’ was one of the hottest perennials in the market? It was the heuchera I planted in my new garden 30 years ago. I liked its…
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DesignA Guide to Growing Reed Grasses: Best-Performing Varieties and Care
As native grasses such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium and cvs., Zones 3–9) and prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis and cvs., Zones 3–9) increasingly gain traction in gardens, exotics such as…
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DesignSterile Varieties of Butterfly Bush
I have mixed feelings about growing and promoting butterfly bushes. On the one hand, they are beautiful and reliable garden plants; on the other hand, their weedy nature cannot be…
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DesignBest of the Sweetshrubs: Plant Trial Results
Woody plants take up a lot of space for a lot of years, so here at the Chicago Botanic Garden we must be choosy about which shrubs we try. A…
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How-ToBest of the Bush Clovers: Trial Plant Results
By the time August rolls around, I’m looking for something new in the garden to pique my interest. I’m not quite ready for fall plants to take their turn, so…
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How-ToTips to Improve Bush Clover Performance
Best location With bush clovers, full sun is best for heavy flower production and to maintain full-bodied habits. These plants are easy to grow in average to dry soil; good…
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How-ToGrowing Summer Alliums: Conditions and Care
When given proper conditions and care, summer alliums are stellar, reliable performers in the landscape. Here are some insights into growing summer alliums that can help you manage and enjoy…
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DesignThe Best Summer Alliums to Grow: Plant Trial Results
Some years ago, during a midsummer trip to Wisconsin, I found myself transfixed by a vast planting of ‘Summer Beauty’ allium dotted throughout with taller bright pink coneflowers (Echinacea spp.…
Fine Gardening Magazine
