Richard Hawke
-
DesignGet to Know Molinia—Trial Results
Grasses are dynamic garden plants. Whether large or small, for structure, motion, sound, and even light, grasses are unparalleled in their effect, and their charm increases tenfold when massed. Molinia,…
-
DesignIs It OK to Plant Miscanthus?
Despite being categorized as invasive in 25 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis and cvs., Zones 4–9) continues to be a popular nursery plant. Many still insist…
-
DesignBold, Shade-Loving Rodgersias
❋ Plant-Trial Results ❋ Some plants need time to grow on you, while others take hold from the start—the draw might be flower color, foliar texture, or something intrinsic.…
-
DesignIronweed: The Superhero of Fall Plants
Vernonia spp. and cvs. USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil but adaptable to drier and/or gravelly soil Bloom Time: Mid- to…
-
ArticleHow to Make More Space in the Garden
At the time, buying a house seemed like such a grown-up thing. But the allure of having a garden was too powerful to ignore. So after years of renting places…
-
DesignHibiscus
Few perennials are as flamboyant as hibiscus. Their flowers can be up to 10 inches wide or larger, which is inconceivable for something that’s not tropical. Hibiscuses have been in gardens…
-
DesignWhy Aren’t You Growing More Baptisias?
Years ago, I decided to plant a baptisia in my small garden. I was willing to give up precious space to such a large plant in expectation of the vibrant…
-
DesignCoreopsis You Can Count On!
A while back—27 years, to be exact—the Chicago Botanic Garden created a garden solely to compare perennials, and coreopsis was one of the inaugural trials. We tested mostly seed-grown cultivars of…
-
DesignSalvias That Won’t Let You Down
I’m lucky to live in Chicago—maybe not in February when we’re buried in snow, but in spring, it’s a different story. One of my favorite spots in the city is…
-
DesignAwesome Asters
What would autumn be like without asters? Boring, that’s what. Thankfully, I live in a place with a plethora of native asters that dot and decorate roadsides, fields, woodlands, and…
Fine Gardening Magazine
