DEBORAH HARDWICK GROWS thousands of clematis cultivars at her central Ohio garden, Hardwick Hall. She has become known for her expertise in tending these beloved plants, which she believes suffer a fussy reputation that hasn’t been helped by complicated advice.
Through outreach to garden clubs, horticultural organizations, botanical gardens, nurseries and more, Deborah works to dispel the myths that surround clematis by highlighting the most rewarding and rugged cultivars and offering simplified strategies for their care.
SCOTT BEUERLEIN: Until recently your career was outside of horticulture. Can you tell us what kind of work you did and how you became so invested in all things clematis?
DEBORAH HARDWICK: I have been a business consultant primarily in the beauty and wellness industry for many years. In fact I still actively consult in that space, as well as more recently in the e-commerce side of horticulture. My avocation with clematis was parallel to my vocation in beauty and wellness, with about equal time spent on each. It has been a wonderful experience having some of my my business skills build into the horticultural side.
SB: You’ve become one of the world’s foremost authorities on clematis. How did you become so well-known and respected in that realm?
I would have to answer this as passion, and the time and resources to travel and meet the breeders and other key figures active. For over 20 years I have avidly collected and grown an amazing array of clematis and developed the contacts which have so enriched my experience.
