Summerific® Week

Summerific® Hibiscus are one of the most iconic landscape perennials with massive 8” flowers and a head turning midsummer display. We are choosing the first full week of August every year to highlight this collection and feature one of our absolute favorite perennials.

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20 Proven Winners® Perennials for the Landscape

When picking this list out of the broad and diverse collection of perennials from Proven Winners, it was difficult to point to one, two, or even five perennials as the best. In the end, it became a list of favorites that met all of the following criteria: low yearly maintenance, long lived in the landscape, and a long season of interest.

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Top New Items for 2023-2024

These plants are some of the best new varieties and selections added to the market. They can be found new to the wholesale trade starting in 2023 and will be available in garden centers in 2024.

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Upcoming Proven Winners® Perennials for 2023-2024

These perennials will be widely available in 2024, but might be found as early release items or in industry production in 2023. The class of 2024 includes 2 new genera for the program and 15 new varieties.

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Simple, Sensible, Solutions®

This color guide is packed with helpful information for green industry businesses who are growing and merchandising perennials.

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EZ Scapes™ Landscape Recipe Program

This new program from Proven Winners Perennials is looking to help IGCs and homeowners bridge the gap on the basics of landscape design. EZ Scapes™ take recipes of 3-4 perennials and pair them based on similar growing conditions and creating continuous seasonal interest.

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Buddleia Collection Comparison

Butterfly Bushes have certainly earned their place in the garden over the years, and its easy to see why. Just when we need a breath of fresh air in the late summer heat, they happily burst into bloom. At a time when many other plants are already spent, buddleias are just beginning their show. Their passive coloring and texture makes a wonderful backdrop for perennials, and you'll love the butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds that flock to their honey-scented blossoms. Join Andrew Jager, our Marketing Manager, to learn more about the Cascade, HUMDINGER®, and MONARCH® collections of Buddleia. Hardy in zones 5-10!

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Shasta Daisy Varieties Side by Side

Shasta Daisies are all-time favorites for the perennial border. The cheery flowers begin to appear in early summer and continue on for several months if faithfully deadheaded. Shastas mix so effortlessly with other perennials that no garden should be without them! Learn more about Shasta Daisies with our Marketing Manager, Andrew Jager. Hardy in zones 5-9!

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Top New Items for 2022-2023

These plants are some of the best new varieties and selections added to the market. They can be found new to the wholesale trade starting in 2022 and will be available in garden centers in 2023.

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Perennials with Native Roots

North America is resplendent with native plants, with more beauty occurring just down than street than most homeowners realize. Proven Winners® Perennials includes a broad selection of plants with native roots. These are plants that may be single species hybrids, or crosses of multiple species that do not naturally interact in nature.

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2021 Bare Root Grow Out Report

Each year the Walters Gardens Trials department conducts an extensive bare root grow out trial. The purpose of this trial is to examine the best planting time and display the potential benefits of "cycle" or successive planting.

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New Proven Winners® Perennials for 2023

These perennials will be widely available in 2023, but might be found as early release items or in industry production in 2022. The class of 2023 includes 2 new genus for the program and 25 new varieties.

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Top New Items for 2021-2022

New at to the trade in 2021, these plants will be available at retail in 2022. Below are some of our favorite upcoming plants.

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Plants to Pair with Hostas

If you have a bit of shade in your garden, odds are you have a hosta or two in your garden as well. Year in and year out, Hostas remain one of the most popular perennials. They are a staple of every shade garden with thousands of cultivars available at garden centers. So if you already have Hostas in your garden the question becomes, what do you pair with it? Here are a few options.

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New Proven Winners® Perennials for 2022

These perennials will be new in 2021 for industry professionals to trial, and will be widely available in 2022. Dark leaves are a trending theme for the year between 'Back in Black' Sedum, 'Edge of Night' Hibiscus, and 'Evening Gown' Heuchera. Look also for a refreshed AMAZING DAISIES® collection and new Monarda for both the Leading Lady and Pardon My Series.

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Summerific® Hardy Hibiscus

They are one of the most iconic landscape perennials with massive 8" wide flowers and head turning displays while in bloom. Not only are the flowers easy on the eye, but they are easy in the landscape as well.

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Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta

Calamintha nepeta ssp. nepeta is the 2021 Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year™. This sun-loving perennial is the perfect choice for attracting pollinators since it blooms from early summer until frost.

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Frost to Frost™ Program Guide

A little planning goes a long way. Build stunning endcaps by choosing ahead of time what perennials you will be featuring throughout the year. Sequencing a different set of perennials to show color in each of the four core seasons will ensure the high value areas of your garden center are always looking nice, and keep things fresh for returning visitors.

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Five Perennials for Fall

On September 29, Laura Robles went through the display gardens here at Walters Gardens to highlight some of the perennials to add to your garden for fall interest.

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Buddleia Cascade Series Comparison

Think all Buddleia look the same? Think again! Unlike the typical Butterfly Bush, the panicles on this flowering shrub cascade downward, similar to the look of weeping willow or a bridalwreath spirea. Learn more about the Cascade Series with our trials manager, Laura Robles.

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Perovskia Side by Side

Perovskia can be used in a wide variety of environments with little attention through the season - a reason they have long been a staple of landscapers. Join Laura Robles as she goes through the landscape and shows a side-by-side comparison of each variety.

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Pink Diamonds Dicentra

An alpine-type bleeding heart that's worthy of the Proven Winners name! Dicentra 'Pink Diamonds' explodes with flowers in late spring to early summer and blooms throughout the season. This is an alpine type of bleeding heart and is not a shade plant. For best results, plant in full sun in soil with good drainage. Do not overwater or plant in an area that gets waterlogged.

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New Can't Miss Succulent Hybrids if You're Mad About Mangave

There are many new Mangave being added to the lineup. Join Hans Hansen, our Director of New Plant Development, as he talks about some of his favorites.

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Mad About Mangave Succulents

There are many ways in which Mangave compare to normal succulents. Both of these plants prefer a well-drained, dry to average soil and should be situated in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette. Join Hans Hansen as he goes over some of the varieties in the Mad About Mangave Collection.

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Firefly Achillea Comparison

On July 9, Laura Robles talked about some Achillea we have blooming in our display gardens. Watch the video for more information on each variety.

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Perennial Flower Fields Tour

If you have never been on a field tour at Walters Gardens, now is your chance. Join Greg Nichols, our Crop and Fertility Manager, as he goes over the process of digging our barefoot perennials.

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Premium Hosta and Daylily Programs

Join Josh Roggenbuck, our Regional Product Manager, to go over the Premium Hosta and Daylily program we have here at Walters Gardens.

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Greenhouse Tour

Join Drew Koschmann, our head grower, on a tour of our greenhouse facility and production areas. If you have never visited Walters Gardens, watch the video to see some behind the scenes footage.

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15 Proven Winners Perennials for the Landscape

Join our Regional Product Manager, Josh Roggenbuck, as he reviews our Proven Winners Perennials for the Landscape program, sharing his favorites and how they compare to traditional landscaper staples.

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Cat's Pajamas Catmint

A purr-fect Catmint for fans of 'Cat's Meow' who love the look but want a smaller-scale version. In addition to being a little over half the height, Nepeta 'Cats Pajamas' also blooms about 2-3 weeks earlier than 'Cat's Meow'. The ball-shaped habit carries long, dark flower stems that hold indigo blue flowers.

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Our Best Non Branded Plant Introductions (Retail 2021)

Some of our favorite new plants are here! Watch for a quick preview of some plants developed by Walters Gardens hybridizers that we are most excited about for 2021.

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Summerific Week | Celebrating Summerific Hibiscus

This annual event takes place during the first full week of August each year, celebrating one of our favorite North American native perennials. New varieties have really pushed the genus forward, into well rounded landscape plants. We hope you join us by using #SummerificWeek on Social Media during August, sharing you favorite Summerific plants or photos.

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New to Proven Winners Perennials (Retail 2021)

Our favorite new plants are here! Watch for a quick preview of what will be some of the hottest new perennials for 2021.

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2021 National Perennials of the Year

A quick overview of the Proven Winners National Plant of the Year Program, focusing on the Perennial and Hosta of the Year for 2021 and 2022. These plants are sure to be in high demand and should definitely be on your radar.

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Back to the Fuchsia Salvia

Salvia COLOR SPIRES® 'Back to the Fuchsia' is new to the Proven Winners program for the 20-21 season. This variety produces fuchsia pink flowers on dark charcoal stems and is the darkest pink in the series.

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Nepeta Variety Comparison

Join Laura Robles in our display gardens to see the Nepeta varieties blooming side by side. Catmint has everything today’s gardeners are looking for: a low maintenance, drought tolerant, deer resistant, long-blooming perennial that looks great all season.

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Salvia Variety Comparison

Salvia is a staple for every sunny garden. It asks little more than sunshine and a little drink every once in a while in return for producing a bountiful mass of colorful flower spires from late spring into early summer. Laura, our trials manager, takes you around the display gardens to show you which Salvia's are blooming on June 9th in Michigan.

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Pink Sparkles Hybrid Creeping Phlox

Phlox SPRING BLING™ 'Pink Sparkles' has soft, baby pink flowers with lighter halos at the centers. The earliest of the series to bloom with the largest flowers (1½")-double the size of most other Phlox subulata types.

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Epimedium Grower Tips

Epimedium are one of the few plants capable of surviving in dry shade. Although slow to establish, mature plants will not be missed in the landscape, particularly when in flower. Join Laura, to learn about Epimedium Production Tips.

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Japanese Painted Fern Grower Tips

Join Laura, our trials manager, to go over some Athyrium growing tips. We are proud to introduce the first perennial fern to the Proven Winners lineup, filling another of your shade needs. 'Crested Surf' looks similar in color to a traditional Japanese Painted Fern, but the tips of the fronds are double-crested.

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New Perennials for 2021 Part 2

Join Laura as she talks through some of our most exciting new plants, including the latest and greatest from Proven Winners Perennials. These plants will be professionally released in 2020 and available at retail in 2021.

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Hellebore Production Tips

Join Laura as she goes over Helleborus culture and production. Helleborus are amazing plants with a long season of spring bloom and evergreen foliage. Unfortunately, they are notoriously temperamental in production, frustrating many growers. These troublesome young plants grow up to be pretty hardy, low maintenance, and long-lived perennial.

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Our Virus-Indexing Program

Due to the globalization of the perennial industry and the subsequent threat of new viruses, we understand the utmost importance of starting with clean stock.

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Mad About Mangave® Collection

Mangave is a relatively new phenomenon, as a cross between the genus Manfreda and Agave. These rare hybrids combine the best of both worlds: the better growth rate and the interesting patterns of Manfreda, and the habit and refinement of Agave.

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AquaPots for Garden Center Retailers // Proven Winners

Now introducing AquaPots, the first and only premium quality glazed ceramic self-watering planters on the market. They are not an insert but rather a complete system that is integrated into each planter.

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Day 5 with Impactful Varieties for 2021 // Proven Winners

Thank you for joining us as we introduce you to several of our new annuals, perennials, shrubs, and caladiums for the Spring 2021 season.

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Day 4 With Impactful Varieties for 2021 // Proven Winners

Thank you for joining us as we introduce you to several of our new annuals, perennials, shrubs and caladiums for the Spring 2021 season.

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Day 3 With Impactful Varieties for 2021 // Proven Winners

Thank you for joining us as we introduce you to several of our new annuals, perennials, shrubs and caladiums for the Spring 2021 season.

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Day 2 With Impactful Varieties for 2021 // Proven Winners

Thank you for joining us as we introduce you to several of our new annuals, perennials, shrubs and caladiums for the Spring 2021 season.

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Day 1 with Impactful Varieties for 2021 // Proven Winners

Thank you for joining us as we introduce you to several of our new annuals, perennials, shrubs and caladiums for the Spring 2021 season.

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New Perennials for 2021

Join Laura as she talks through some of our most exciting new plants, including the latest and greatest from Proven Winners Perennials. These plants will be professionally released in 2020 and available at retail in 2021.

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Mangave Production Tips

Mangave is a relatively new phenomenon, as a cross between the genus Manfreda and Agave. These rare hybrids combine the best of both worlds: the better growth rate and the interesting patterns of Manfreda, and the habit and refinement of Agave. Join Laura, our trials manager, to learn some Mangave production tips.

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Top New Items for 2020-2021

Our best of the best - these plants are sure to turn heads when they hit the market.

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Creating Seasonal Containers with Perennials

Join Caitlin, our trial grower, as she shares the process of planting seasonal containers with perennials & some evergreen materials.

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New Proven Winners® Perennials for 2021

2021 promises an exceptional class of new Proven Winners Perennials. From a color breakthrough in Hardy Hibiscus with the creamy yellow flowers of 'French Vanilla', to the new gold standard in mildew resistance among Tall Garden Phlox with 'Opalescence'. Get a full preview of the new class in the list below.

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The Why and How to a Proven Winners® Destination

Creating a space devoted to Proven Winners shows the trust your business has in the brand. When customers see this trust, they respond by spending time in the destination and purchasing those products. So far, every retailer who has invested in a Proven Winners Destination in their store has seen growth in sales of Proven Winners plants and products.

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Bare Root Hibiscus Potting Tips

Join Laura, our trial manager, to see some bare root Hibiscus potting tips.

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12 Black Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with near-black or darkly colored plants, here is a list of 12 perennials to help get you started.

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7 Silver Leaved Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with silver leaved plants, here is a list of 7 perennials to help get you started.

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10 Perennials with Multi-Colored Flowers

If you are looking to fill your garden with colorful plants, here is a list of 13 perennials with multi-colored flowers to help get you started.

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14 Purple Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with purple plants, here is a list of 14 perennials to get you started.

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16 Yellow Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with yellow plants, here is a list of 16 perennials to help get you started.

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8 Orange Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with orange plants, here is a list of 8 perennials to help get you started.

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14 Red Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with red plants, here is a list of 14 perennials to help get you started.

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20 Pink Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with pink plants, here is a list of 20 perennials to help get you started.

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15 White Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with white plants, here is a list of 15 perennials to help get you started.

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17 Blue Perennials

If you are looking to fill your garden with blue plants, here is a list of 17 perennials to help get you started.

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Proven Pollinators from Proven Winners // Proven Winners

Your customers are looking for plants that do 'more', and one goal at the top of their list is to grow plants that invite nature to their backyard--the bees, butterflies and pollinators.

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Introducing Connect+ from Proven Winners // Proven Winners

New for 2020, we’re offering a revolutionary new marketing service exclusively for our IGC customers that aims to make your life easier while putting the power of the Proven Winners brand to work for your business.

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10 Rabbit Resistant Proven Winners® Perennials

Newly emerging and tender foliage often attracts browsing animals, so planning a landscape that skews away from salad greens is a good way to get success even when rabbits are present.

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Our Hibiscus Program

Herbaceous Hibiscus are a fabulous plant with huge flowers and incredible beauty in the landscape. Hear from one of the best hybridizers out there on what he looks for and some of his favorite new creations.

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11 Deer Resistant Proven Winners® Perennials

Deer are one of the most visible of garden pests (in part because they are also one of the largest). When a browsing deer has been through the damage is almost always immediately evident. Short of fencing, not much works to keep them out. Therefore, landscapes that have learned to resist deer browsing tend to remain beautiful just a little bit longer.

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Bare Root Perennial Fields

Get an eye-in-the-sky look at some of the flowering perennial fields of Walters Gardens, located in West Michigan.

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25 Proven Winners® Perennials that make a Statement in a Container

Perennials are the rugged workhorses of the landscape, but have the underused ability to occupy so many more roles in the garden. Here are 25 perennials that command attention in the container, all by themselves.

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Hibiscus Production Tips

Hardy Hibiscus offer a bold, head-turning display of color at the end of summer. Get a few tips for producing these popular giant perennials.

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Proven Winners® Hosta of the Year

The Proven Winners National Plant of the Year program selects plants for their exceptional performance. These plants have been chosen for their proven excellence and ability to be used successfully nationwide by growers and gardeners alike.

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A Store Wthin a Store - Glover Nursery // Proven Winners

Glover Nursery, in West Jordan, Utah is one of the oldest and most established nurseries in the Salt Lake Valley. Situated on a property of 10 acres, Glover Nursery is a thriving retail and wholesale garden center who is known as “Utah’s First Family Nursery, where a love for plants runs deep”.

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Top New Items for 2019-2020

Here is a list of some of our very best and brightest new perennials making their debut in 2020! This class includes a number of Proven Winners plants and other breakthrough varieties.

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A Store Within A Store: Kerby's Nursery and Landscaping // Proven Winners

Kerby's Nursery and Landscaping in Seffner, Florida recently installed a Proven Winners Destination in their retail area with the help of their grower, Flora Express.

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Guiding the Store within a Store Concept Flora Express Nursery // Proven Winners

Flora Express Nursery, located in St. Cloud, Florida is a wholesale nursery providing quality seasonal annuals and perennials for retail garden centers.

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7 Mixed Container Ideas Using Proven Winners® Perennials

Perennials offer an expanded range of flowers and textures to liven up decorative containers. There is a lot of value in mixed perennial containers, which are often ideal for anyone who likes changing their containers seasonally. These perennials can be added to the landscape after they have finished blooming for additional years of enjoyment.

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Deer and Rabbit Resistant Perennials

Having trouble with pests eating your plants? These perennials resist both deer and rabbits. Note: nothing is deer and rabbit PROOF, but these aren't their first choice for snacking.

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Appenberry's Gardens: A Proven Winners Store Within A Store // Proven Winners

Working with Proven Winners provided Appenberry's with a chance to offer product that was unique to their market. Paired with strong local suppliers and this garden center is very proud of the sales increase they have experienced.

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Windsor's Nursery: A Proven Winners Store Within A Store // Proven Winners

Jamee Muchow has owned Windsor's Nursery for 21 years, and in this video she talks about how her and her husband wanted to change things up a bit, to stand out above the rest..enter Proven Winners! They created a Proven Winners 'alley', and are thrilled they did. "Proven Winners is an amazing product, and we only want the best for our customers."

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Allium Culture and Production Tips

Allium (Ornamental Onion) is one of the easiest perennials to grow and keep in the landscape. This genus is among the very best for attracting pollinators and resisting browsing animals. Join Laura for an overview and some tips to growing high quality retail containers.

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Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' Culture and Production Tips

Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade' can pretty much do it all in the landscape. A hybrid native perennial, this variety holds up to heat and drought thanks to its prairie roots. Learn how to grow this plant with a few helpful hints from our Trials Manager, Laura Robles.

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Hosta Greenhouse Production Tips

We grow and ship a lot of Hostas here at Walters Gardens, and we've been doing it for over half a century. Some greenhouse and growing practices have changed, while others have stayed the same. Join Laura, our Trials Grower, as she talks about some of our experiences and recommendations for getting the best crop at retail!

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New Proven Winners® Perennials for 2020

Another year and another exciting new group of introductions for Proven Winners perennials. The class of 2019-2020 includes some exciting additions of groundcover Sedum and new options for shade perennials. Preview every new perennial below to get acquainted with these upcoming beauties!

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Spigelia Production Tips

Spigelia is a cool genus that isn't that widely known. Native to the eastern United States, this woodland perennial grows well in either sun or shade. Join Laura as she goes through some tips to growing this plant from bare root and what you might need to know to get a great looking crop.

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Plant This, Get This Retailing Concept // Proven Winners

Help your customers see the potential in the plants they are considering for their home. Often it is hard to visualize what a small plant can grow into, especially with perennials and shrubs.

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2019 California Spring Trials New Perennials Sneak Peek

These plants are on their way to the 2019 California Spring Trials! Get a quick look at some of the new perennials from Proven Winners that you can expect to see there.

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Nepeta 'Cat's Meow' vs. 'Cat's Pajamas'

Nepeta 'Cat's Meow' is one of the best selling Proven Winners Perennials. Now, it has a companion in 'Cat's Pajamas'. Join Laura as she goes over how they are both great, but also different!

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Dolce® vs. Primo® Heuchera Series

There are two series of immensely popular Heuchera from Proven Winners. But what is the difference? Join Laura as she gives a quick highlight of the series and the varieties in them!

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Brunnera Production Tips

Join Laura for this quick look at growing Brunnera. Review the basics and get a few tips to help you produce the best crop possible!

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Kniphofia Production Tips

Buzz around these plants is really heating up! Get a quick overview of our tips and tricks to growing the best production containers of Red Hot Poker.

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Ornamental Grasses Tour

Join Laura on this end of the year tour of the Ornamental Grasses in our display gardens!

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Hardy Hibiscus Fields as seen by Drone

Get an all new look at our hardy Hibiscus fields through the lens of a drone! One of the largest perennials we grow, the massive 7-9 inch flowers of our hardy Hibiscus are still distinguishable from 200 feet in the air.

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Proven Winners® Perennial of the Year

The Proven Winners National Plant of the Year program selects plants for their exceptional performance. These plants have been chosen for their proven excellence and ability to be used successfully nationwide by growers and gardeners alike.

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All About the Coreopsis Sizzle & Spice® Series

This is one of our favorite series of Coreopsis, with six unique varieties coming in a variety of bright colors. Join our Trials Manager, Laura, for a quick snapshot of why we love these plants!

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Anemone Fall in Love™ 'Sweetly'

Anemone FALL IN LOVE™ 'Sweetly' is a new favorite of ours from Proven Winners. This end of summer bloomer is the perfect final act to your garden with a profusion of flowers appearing throughout fall.

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Premium Daylilies

There is no clear line to cross for a daylily to qualify as premium. This list is based off our decades of experience growing and observing the many daylily cultivars and represents our top 20. We evaluate a daylily for a variety of characteristics such as exceptional rebloom, garden vigor, and consistency of flower form. Each daylily marked premium is evaluated for a minimum of 6-10 years must be exceptional against current market standards.

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Premium Hostas

Hostas are an incredibly popular perennial with lots of options to choose from. We have grown and trialed thousands of Hostas with our top 20 making this list. Premium Hostas are chosen for their vigor, leaf substance, color quality, and a variety of other factors.

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Bare Root Grow Out Trials Results

Every year we run an extensive production trial of bare root plants to hone in on ideal planting times and container sizes. Here is a quick recap of the results.

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Lavender Production Tips

Join our Trials Manager, Laura, as she goes over some production tips and tricks to grow a gorgeous crop of Lavender for your greenhouse!

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Van Wilgen's Garden Center: A Store Within A Store // Proven Winners

Ryan Van Wilgen is Vice President, and fourth generation at his family's garden center in Connecticut. The success of Limelight hydrangea, and Supertunia Vista Bubblegum in their store helped lead the way in their decision to create a Proven Winners Store Within A Store destination.

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East Coast Garden Center: A Store Within A Store // Proven Winners

The Cordrey family decided to take an under-utilized space at their garden center, and use it to feature Proven Winners plants. Customized signage, and tables that help get the plants off the ground and at eye level has resulted in what they now call as a 'problem solving area'.

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Homestead Gardens: A Proven Winners Store Within A Store // Proven Winners

Listen while Homestead Gardens, with two locations in Maryland, tells their story about how their in-store Proven Winners destination has worked for them for the last three years. It has helped them increase sales, so each year they have added on to their Proven Winners Store Within a Store, using suggestions from customers on what plants they would like to have available.

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Baptisia Selection

Baptisia are one of the best perennials for the landscape, particularly for gardeners looking for a long lived, low maintenance plant. Our head hybridizer, Hans Hansen, has been breeding Baptisia for over twenty years with his introductions making up the popular Proven Winners DECADENCE® Baptisia series.

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Hellebore Breeding

Hans Hansen gives a behind the scenes look at breeding Hellebores and why we love these plants!

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Daylily Grower Tips

Get the inside scoop on how to grow Daylilies from bare root.

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2018 Perennial Plant of the Year - Allium 'Millenium'

‘Millenium’ been voted the 2018 Perennial Plant of the Year™, one of the highest honors a perennial can earn and given to only one plant per year.

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New Proven Winners® Perennials for 2019

In 2018 Proven Winners® perennials announced its largest class of new introductions. 31 varieties will be added to the collection, including 3 new genus and a series of compact, hybrid spring phlox. Here is the complete list of new perennials for 2018, appearing at retail in 2019.

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Working @ Walters Gardens

We are always looking for qualified individuals to join our team at Walters Gardens. If you are interested in employment at Walters Gardens, please check out our Employment Opportunities page to learn more!

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Daylily Field Production

We produce nearly 3,000,000 Daylilies a year for our customers. Here's a glimpse into how we make that happen.

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Monarda Grower Tips

In this video our trials manager Jeremy gives tips on Monarda (Bee Balm) production and recommendations for getting the most out of your crop.

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Why Mangave?

Mangave are a hybrid of the genus Agave and Manfreda. Here are four reasons they are better together:

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Bush Clematis Grower Tips

What is Bush Clematis? How is it different than traditional Clematis? Our trials manager, Jeremy, highlights some of the differences in both garden performance and production.

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Nepeta Grower Tips

Nepeta are a great perennial for their long blooming, drought tolerance, and ease of care. In this video, Jeremy gives a glimpse of some of his favorite varieties and how to grow them.

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Astilbe Groups

Astilbe's brightly colored, stately plumes comprised of tiny, densely packed flowers are absolutely spectacular when planted en masse and are one of the most colorful flowers for the shade. The panicles range in shape from tall and narrow to dense and stocky. Still others are more open and airy or cascade outward. In order to more accurately identify the traits of a particular cultivar, they have been divided into groups.

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Pruning Clematis

When is the best time to prune Clematis? This climbing vine can be separated into three pruning groups.

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Hellebores for Fall Planting

Do you love Hellebores and a quick turn crop? Then our 20ct Hellebore program for Fall planting might be for you.

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Extreme Perennials

So often, we're asked for advice on which perennials bloom all summer or those that can really take the heat. As we walk our display gardens, fields, and greenhouses all season, there are always some perennials that stand out far above the rest.

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Grower Tips for Hosta Elle Plugs

Although they have been acclimated to a protected greenhouse environment, they will still require some tender care for the next few months.

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Frequently Asked Daylily Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Daylilies

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Frequently Asked Grower Questions

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Frequently Asked Ornamental Grass Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions About Plant's Arrival

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New Plant Development

Working closely with a broad network of hybridizers worldwide, we typically add about 100 new varieties annually to our main listing of over 1,000 perennials

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Helleborus Growing Tips

Helleborus are amazing plants with a long season of spring bloom and evergreen foliage. Our challenge as growers is to get them started on the right path. Here are a few things we’ve learned.

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Life After Neonicotinoids

Walters Gardens has been Neonicotinoid free since 2014. We pride ourselves on being environmentally conscious and keeping the “green” in green industry. Here are a few takeaways we have for going Neonic free and exercising best plant health practices.

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Product Profile

Our product line consists primarily of generously graded bare root and plug perennials which are sold to independent garden centers, wholesale growers, landscapers, municipalities, and online retail companies across the US and Canada.

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Timing Chart

Plan and plant your perennial crops using this table of when to plant, finish sizes, and average finish times.

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Award Winning Irises

The Dykes Medal is the highest award given by the American Iris Society. It is awarded annually to only one iris. Only AIS registered judges may vote for the winner.

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2017 Perennial Plant of the Year — Asclepias tuberosa

A virtually hassle-free, very long lived perennial, offering three months of tangerine orange blooms (occasionally red or yellow) from early through late summer.

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Award Winning Daylilies

The highest award a daylily cultivar can receive is the Stout Silver Medal, given in memory of Dr. Arlow Burdette Stout, who is considered to be the father of modern daylily breeding in North America.

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Growing Awesome Russian Sage from Bare Root

Perovskia, or Russian Sage, has been a long-time staple of landscapes and gardens due to its unique texture, airy look, and drought tolerance. Perovskia are easy to grow, but to get great-looking finished plants we have some tips and recommendations.

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Benefits of Late Summer and Early Fall Planting

You might be able to finish some plants in spring, but they'll look so much better if planted the year before!

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Hosta Color Changes

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Growing Awesome Hibiscus from Bare Root

Growers have come to recognize the benefits of growing a high margin, quick turn perennial like Hibiscus, starting with a field-grown bare root. Hibiscus is an easy crop to grow if you follow some of the following guidelines.

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The Complete Guide to Growing Perennials in Containers

Tired of spending money on annuals for your containers every spring? Why not use perennials instead?

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Recommended Planting Times for Perennials

From our experience and trials, we've learned the critical importance of knowing how to schedule your perennial crops.

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All Hostas are NOT Created Equally

With their ease of growth, variety of plant shapes and sizes available, and diversity of leaf colorations, hostas are one of the most desirable perennials for gardens with partial to full shade. In the landscape, the foliage can provide a bold presence while softening the appearance of well-defined areas.

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Old v. New – The Benefits of Modern Daylily Hybrids

Out of the 1,000+ varieties of perennials we sell, daylilies stand miles above the rest when it comes to the broad selection of flower colors and forms as well as bloom times.

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Growing Digiplexis® Successfully

The exotic looking intergeneric foxglove hybrid DIGIPLEXIS® was invented by crossing a hardy Digitalis purpurea with a tropical orange flowered Digitalis relative native to the Canary Islands called Isoplexis canariensis

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How to Grow and Force Belarina® Primulas

BELARINA® Primulas completely embody the joy and hope that spring offers. Their sizable double blossoms in a rainbow of colors bloom profusely throughout the spring season atop the compact, bright green foliage. Sterile flowers result in plants that are particularly long blooming.

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2014 Perennial Plant of the Year — Panicum v. 'Northwind'

'Northwind' is a dark green, upright, rigid clumping grass selected by Roy Diblik from Northwind Perennial Farm.

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Hosta 'Remember Me' - A Plant for a Cure!

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Perennials Demystified

The perennials finished growers produce are often placed into two categories: “Bread and Butter” and “Premium”. Bread and butter perennials are those varieties which have been commoditized, are widely grown, and are considered the backbone of most perennial programs.

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Bare Root Perennials: Efficient for Growers of All Sizes

Historically, bare root divisions were one of the main sources of starting materials for greenhouses and nurseries. With the popularity of plugs and liners in the past couple of decades, some growers have reduced their dependency on bare root divisions and switched to other types of starter plants.

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Plant Viruses

Like many ornamental plants, perennials are susceptible to numerous types of plant viruses. Growers often jump to conclusions when they hear the word “virus” and don’t consider that plant viruses are often not as destructive or common as diseases caused by fungal pathogens.

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Choosing the Best Growing Environment for Perennials

Producing high quality perennials involves a combination of genetic, environmental and cultural factors. In the case of most perennials, high quality finished plants can be produced in several different types of environments.

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2013 Perennial Plant of the Year — Polygonatum o. 'Variegatum'

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Grower Tips for Garden, Intersectional, and Tree Peonies

Peonies are one of the longest lived perennials, often surviving for 50 or more years. Their large, showy blossoms are the highlight of the garden in late spring and they also make excellent cut flowers.

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How to Force Daylilies for Spring Retail Sales

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) have long been popular perennials at retail and in the garden because they are beautiful and very easy to grow. The challenge for retailers is having daylilies in bloom while retail traffic is at its peak since they naturally bloom in mid through late summer.

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Not All Grasses are Created Equal: Growing Tips

With the popularity of ornamental grasses and their use in the landscape, many perennial growers are offering them in their perennial product lines. However, numerous growers handle and produce ornamental grasses as if they were all the same.

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Succeeding with Bare Root Hibiscus

Hardy Hibiscus continues to be a popular perennial grown for summer sales. A few years ago, Walters Gardens, Inc. began to offer bare root starting materials of Hibiscus to the industry. Although bare root Hibiscus offers numerous benefits, many growers are not familiar with this type of starting material.

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2012 Perennial Plant of the Year — Brunnera m. 'Jack Frost'

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Convallaria Growing Tips

Forcing and Marketing Convallaria for Spring Sales

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Best Selling Perennials

Start here to browse some of the best selling perennials we have to offer!

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Overwintering Containerized Perennials

One of the final tasks of a successful year is overwintering your potted perennials. If properly cared for over the winter, they will grow vigorously once again the following spring.

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Grower Tips to Overwinter Echinacea Successfully

Though echinacea is easy to grow once it's in the landscape, it can be a bit of a challenge for growers especially when it comes to overwintering

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Water – The Critical Factor to Succeed with Elle Plugs

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Creating a Monochromatic Garden

Different shades of the same color, like those on a paint swatch card. The contrast in light and dark hues can either be subtle, softly contrasted, or strongly apparent.

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Hosta Diseases and Pests

To read a complete and informative article about hosta diseases and pests, click the link below.

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Drought Tolerant Perennials

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Amsonia, Baptisia, and Liatris: Why Bare Root is Better

Sometimes plugs just can't top the performance of bare root plants. Here are three plants that deliver the best value for the money in bare root form.

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Guidelines for Transplanting Elle Plugs

We strive to send every Elle plug with sufficient moisture to last through shipping. Upon delivery of your order, inspect all Elle plugs for soil moisture.

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Success with Peonies

For well over a century, peonies have proven themselves to be beautiful yet tough, low maintenance perennials.

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How is the Perennial Plant of the Year Chosen?

Each year, members of the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) nominate perennials for the Plant of the Year (POY) based on...

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Creating Winter Interest in the Garden with Evergreen Perennials

It's the middle of winter here in Michigan and while most gardeners have put away their trowels for the year, many perennials are still hard at work providing winter interest in the garden.

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Creating a Romantic Garden

What could be more instantly relaxing than walking into a garden at the end of a busy day? The surprising appearance of a new flower, the scent of fresh foliage and blooms, the sounds of birds singing happily, the various textures and soft shapes surround you and draw you in.

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Firing Up Perennials - Beyond 2000

Formula for a Successful Forcing Program

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Transplanting Bare Root Perennials

They might all come in boxes but they won't all grow the same. Read through this list of bare root recommendations!

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Sustainable Production Practices

Profitability can go hand in hand with sustainable production; doing what's best for the earth can also be very good for business.

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Common Plant Health Issues

This article describes three common plant health issues growers face with perennials

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Hosta Virus Myths

MYTH - Plants infected with a virus may recover. FACT - Viruses do not just disappear, nor does a plant "fight off" an infection.

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How to Force Dicentra spectabilis for Valentine's Day

With a charm all their own, Bleeding Hearts are the all-time favorite perennials for Valentine's Day. In fact, they have been extraordinarily popular since their introduction in 1842. Their latin name, spectabilis, translates to "spectacular", which indeed they are!

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Grower Tips to Handle Late Breaking Perennials

To get your late-breaking plants started off on the right root, remember these four simple but important guidelines:

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Growing Heuchera villosa Hybrids in a Greenhouse

Here are a few hints for growing success with Heuchera villosa hybrids

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Extending the Season with Beautiful Fall Color

Here in Michigan, the leaves on the trees have offered up their last show of color for the year and have begun to fall, the first frost appeared early one morning last week, and the birds are gathering, making plans to fly south for the winter.

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Time to Start Fall Planting!

As many of you know, fall is an excellent time for planting perennials. Studies have shown that plants started in fall have an advantage over those planted in spring. They are stronger, more well-established, and can even be more disease resistant.

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