Soft and spiny contrasts
Pennisetum inflorescence (sold to me, pre-bloom, as a ‘Yaku Jima’ miscanthus—oops).
Summer has returned from its long hiatus. What a strange year this has shaped up to be, weather-wise. I don’t think we’ve broken 100 degrees once this summer, and until this week, it was rarely in the 90s. And then there was the endless rain, which I loved.
It may turn out to be temporary, but the hot summer sun is back, the rains have dried up. Once again, sweat is a constant companion when I’m outside. But now that I’ve cut back the jungle, the garden’s shape is re-emerging, cool and collected. The weeds are taking over the gravel paths, however. Maybe tomorrow I’ll tackle those.
While taking photos in the front garden yesterday afternoon, the combinations that caught my eye were spiny contrasted with soft. Here are a few of them:
Front to back: Salvia greggii, ‘Adagio’ miscanthus, narrowleaf zinnia, skullcap, agave, and Mexican oregano
Softleaf yucca and Salvia greggii
African aloe (Aloe saponaria ) backed by bamboo muhly
‘Whale’s Tongue’ agave and Mexican oregano
If the roses were in bloom, I’d show you more spiny versus soft, but you’ve probably had enough cacti for one day.
It has been a strange summer. I’ve enjoyed the rain but am feeling somewhat web footed at this point. I’m ready to get outside and do some cleaning up and maybe some cooking this weekend. Hopefully the sunshine will hold for this weekend. You have a lovely garden, I enjoy your posts.
Thank you, Kathleen. And thanks for dropping by. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the outdoors this weekend. —Pam
Is the Mexican oregano typically that big?
So, was this then like a long spring for you?
At what point in the year does Austin weather no longer hold even the potential for 100 deg?
Hi, Chuck. The Mexican oregano would be a foot or two bigger if I let it have its way; I prune it hard in the spring to keep it in bounds and delay the bloom. I shape it into a loose ball, just because I like the round structure there, but it also looks nice if left naturally, like liatris.
This summer hasn’t exactly been like spring, but it’s been pretty darn good. Spring in Austin means warm one day and a blue norther (cold front) the next. We haven’t had any blue northers this summer, and it’s rained more consistently than in springtime. But the temps have been kept way below what we normally see at this time of year.
Fall in Austin generally starts in mid- to late October. We’ll get our first cool fronts that bring us less humidity, sparkling blue skies, and temperatures in the upper 80s. But I can recall several hot Halloweens (upper 90s and humid). By May the 100s may make another appearance but not consistently until June or July. Austin’s temperate fall, winter, and spring make up for the summer, but I usually have to get past summer to remind myself of this. —Pam
That’s a nice miscanthus, Pam – tempting me to let grasses back in to the garden.
There’s been enough sun in the last couple of days to kick up some buds around here. One cherry salvia greggii is blooming but many of the others have had too much water and not enough sun. Yours are looking good!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
I’m wondering at the moment whether that miscanthus is, as advertised, a ‘Yaku Jima.’ Now that it’s blooming, I don’t think it looks much like my other ‘Yaku Jima.’ Hmm. It’s lovely, but I wish I knew for sure what it is. Update: It’s not a miscanthus at all but a pennisetum. —Pam
Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain grass) is the name of the first grass pic. It does not go mad but stays in a nice clump. Lots of sun and can take drought but give it some simmer watering. You won’t be disappointed. It grows here in Spain on the Costa Blanca. I have just planted 3.
Best wishes
Thank you for an ID on the mystery grass, Nada. From your description it sounds like it will work well where I have it, which makes me happy. I’m glad you stopped by! —Pam