I was shocked and saddened to learn of the recent passing of my college classmate, Kim Hawks, 72. Kim and I shared a lot in common, starting with attending the same high school, horticulture classmates at NC State, both of us would start mail order nurseries, travel together in China for a month, and both loose spouses to cancer. Kim’s business, Niche Gardens of Chapel Hill, became a well-respected, early source for North American native plants, during which time, Kim was a tireless advocate for great native plants.
Kim’s list of plant introductions sold through Niche Gardens include Echinacea ‘Kim’s Knee High’, Stokesia ‘Mary Gregory’, Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’, and Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’. Kim started the nursery in 1986 and sold it in 2002, opting for a simpler, less stressful life. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Jerry Quinn in 2008. Having just spoken with Kim a few months earlier, this really serves as a reminder that we never know how much time remains in our hourglass. Kim leaves behind a bevy of friends, admirers, and great plants. Soar high, my friend.
Tony,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your friend. I hope your memories of your travels together and shared plant obsessions will bring you comfort.
Regards,
Sue W
Remembering how I savored the Niche Garden’s offerings in the 1990s. WHO can forget Fireworks Golden rod? I still enjoy the ones I planted decades ago! We do, however, forget the PEOPLE who worked hard to bring us these beautiful plants. Thank you Tony for this tribute to Kim and reminding us that we never know when our hour glass will empty. LIVE accordingly !
Beautiful tribute. Tony always has the right words.
She will be very much missed.
Kim will be missed, but her work lives on. Thanks for the beautiful tribute, Tony.
Decades ago my husband and I would spend every spare minute (and dime!) at Niche Gardens, Tony’s Garden and tour J.C.’s giant tribute to everything growing. My memories of Kim are warm and comforting, and I’m so sorry she left us so young.