Grasses Get Their Groove On!

It is early August and some of the grasses are taking shape. Here are some of the most spectacular of the moment! They've had varying times in the garden, but all are showy now!

Schizachyrium 'Carousel'

This is a new introduction from the Chicagoland Grows program. This plant came from Donald Boehm of Boehm's Garden Center in Rushville, IL. Though this picture does no justice, the colors, texture and habit of this plant are unique. A plant that definately needs to be experienced rather than looked at on a computer.

Sporobolus 'Tara'
Speaking of plants that need to be experienced, this plant takes the cake. Tara was discovered by Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm in Burlington, WI. Shorter and much more uniform than the species, heterolepis, this is a gem for the more manicured garden. Standing straight with attention, Tara boasts great seed heads that give a nice hazy look to them. She's also quite fragrant with what most call a buttery popcorn smell, however I find it to clearly be cilantro. In the landscape here, it is in a "Structured Prairie" with Ruellia humilis, Echinacea Pixie Meadowbrite and Liatris Floristan White. Truly a beautiful sight to see.

Miscanthus 'Gold Bar' PP15193
This little gem also comes to us from the United States. Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose, OR has brought us this unique variegated Miscanthus. Much more banding on it's leaves than other similar types. This is truly a remarkable accent plant. Very showy and even self contained. Only growing 4-5' tall and 24" wide, it is an exceptional addition to the plant palette and to a garden in which space is an issue.