May is one of those months in which time seems to pass in a flash. In a hurry today, I faced my garden looking for foliage to feature for today's Foliage Follow-up feature, hosted by Pam at
Digging. There were a number of possibilities but the foliage that waved at me from the backyard (assisted by a breeze) won the vote.
Stipa tenuissima (syn.
Nassella tenuissima) is a beautiful, if somewhat invasive, grass that both picks up the gold tones in my garden and adds movement. Most of my clumps are currently in need of another haircut but, even in somewhat shaggy condition, they make a statement.
I have 3 groups of the grass in the bed that extends from the fountain in the backyard.
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| The Stipa provides a beautiful backdrop for Salvia 'Mystic Spires' |
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| View of all 3 groups of grass in the fountain border |
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| The largest group next to the backyard patio - 2 other groupings are visible in the distance in the back border |
There are 3 more groups of the grass in the back border, 2 of which are shown here.
Two more groups border the entrance to the side yard patio.
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| These clumps get trimmed frequently to prevent them from enveloping the path to the side yard patio - the clumps in the fountain border are visible in the background on the upper right |
Despite its tendency to self-seed, I love this grass. Its invasive tendencies can be held in check by reduced watering (not a problem here!) and regular trims. Most of mine were sheared of flowers in February but they're in need of another haircut.
For other foliage photos,
visit Pam at Digging. Have a great weekend!
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© 2012-2015 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
