The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

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As I took a quick walk around the yard early this morning, battling the lingering fog, I noticed there hasn’t been a lot of dramatic change of late in the garden. There has been a quiet lull since the mid spring bloomers put on their show and the hot and humid weather seemed to slow down the foliage growth on most plants.

Upon closer inspection though, I noticed some of the more subtle changes which serve as a reminder that our gardens never truly stop evolving.

My absolute favorite ornamental grass, Calamagrostis (Feather Reed Grass) ‘Karl Foerster’ has begun to form it’s blooms and they add such a nice texture to the appearance of the grass:        

Another Feather Reed Grass, ‘El Dorado’, has also commenced the bloom parade:  
Calamagrostis is a “cool season” grass meaning it starts to grow in early spring when the temps are cooler but then slows down as the temps rise into the summer. Once the growth slows down, they begin to bloom and those blooms persist all the way into winter. You can be sure you will see numerous photos of this gem over the coming months. 
I have only one spot in my yard that gets any kind of afternoon shade. That is in the bed directly in the front of my house. All of the other areas are treated as “full sun”. I have always loved Astilbes so I’ve managed to tuck a few in that front bed. With all the rain we had in the spring, they are thriving:            
Astilbe ‘Deutschland’

Astilbe ‘Deutschland’

Astilbe ‘Deutschland’

Great combo of flowers and foliage, as long as you don’t let them dry out. I like the fact that they do not overwhelm you when in bloom but lend more of a graceful presence to the overall garden scheme (Did I just say that?).

The Amsonia (Bluestar) just finished blooming within the past week or so but honestly, I like these better post-bloom. The airy/wispy foliage is the real winner and for whatever reason, it looks it’s best right after blooming. I have not witnessed it’s stellar fall color yet, so I am looking forward to it this year:    

Have a great weekend!
John 

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14 Responses

  2. I learned something new with your posting!! I guess with our heat in the south the ‘El Dorado’ will not be growing very vigorously right now. Wish mine had the flower buds on it, maybe come fall it will pick up again.

  3. My Calamagrostis is starting to push out blooms as well…except for ‘Overdam’, which seems a bit behind the others. Can’t wait for them…they are such awesome ‘exclamation points’ in the garden…love that golden color they get after initially blooming.

  4. Your amsonia looks great! I have the smaller broad leafed variety but every time I see the other, I want it!! Love your astilbe. I can’t keep my garden wet enough for them so I gave mine away.

  7. Love the ornamental grasses. Yours are gorgeous.

    I must admit to having some difficulties in over wintering them in containers, it’s a case of survival of the fittest.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

  8. I agree on the bluestar. Mine bloomed a long time ago here in zone 8, but the foliage looks great, almost tropical–interesting narrow leaves. Love the blog–keep it going!

  9. This gives me something to look forward to. I got a start of feather reed grass this spring and I’m anxiously watching it to see how it will do in my new Idaho yard.

  10. I’m at the point where I’ve got way too much in post waiting to go into the garden – and then this morning I went to a neighbourhood plant sale and came back with more. I never learn.

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