Mexican feathergrass and damianita

The Mexican feathergrass and damianita that I planted along the street come to life beautifully in the early spring. Feathergrass is true to its name, and I can’t help running my fingers through the feathery tops when I walk by. The damianita, which blooms off and on all summer, is a show-stopper in the spring, though it tends to get crowded out by the grasses. However, unlike feathergrass, which goes dormant in the coldest part of winter, damianita stays evergreen.

‘Duchess of Albany’ clematis

The stunning bloom of ‘Blue Crown’ passion flower vine

Passion flower is a butterfly magnet. Gulf fritillary larvae devour the vine’s leaves each summer, but the vine always comes back vigorously and I like the orange butterflies, so I let them eat as much as they like. I end up with chrysalises all over the fence—and lots of butterflies. The ‘Blue Crown’ flowers are magnificent, but only on close inspection. From a distance they just fade into the background. If you plant one, make sure you can view it up close.

Below are more springtime images from the front garden.

Buddleia, shrub daisy, and pink Autumn sage

Jerusalem sage, mealy blue sage, and more pink Autumn sage, with daffodil foliage