Sunday, November 6, 2011

Glorious Grasses at Hershey Gardens

 Grasses and Chrysanthemums
brought the annual beds at
Hershey Gardens
into fine fall form 
when I visited in early October.

 Graceful Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') 
starts blooming in July,
but is right at home in the fall garden.


Hardy in zones 9 and 10,
it's grown as an annual here in Pennsylvania.
Like a chameleon, it seems to
adjust to any color scheme.

Purple Fountain Grass hues
blend beautifully with
Tropicanna Canna Lily, while its
feathery form provides great contrast. 


Sky Rocket Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket') is an
interesting variegated variety for a lighter look.


Beginning coppery red blooms of
Morning Light Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light') 
have a kind of a funky spiky flair.
They'll mature into silvery white plumes.
See how this grass is woven into the
rhythm of the gardens here.


Popcorn Plant (Cassia didymobotrya)
not only has an intriguing look,
but enticing aromas as well. 
Its foliage smells like popcorn
when rubbed or moved (truly!).


I love this juxtaposition of
Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis) against
complementary orange mums.
I featured it last year with
Chrysanthemum combinations here .


I was surprised to see Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) flowering. 
Cutting it back after the spring bloom
can encourage this second bloom.

 

Containers were full to overflowing -
early fall's abundance is bittersweet, with
winter waiting just around the corner. 

See more of Hershey Gardens early fall beauty here.

12 comments:

Toni - Signature Gardens said...

I cannot get over the color on the 'Morning Light' Miscanthus. I love the purple fountain grass with the Tropicanna Canna. Will have to remember that next year in containers. Gorgeous combo!

Anonymous said...

I have been to Hersey many times when living in PA. I even lived near it for a time. Loved visiting the gardens and thanks for taking me back there.

Alistair said...

Gorgeous gardens and so beautifully photographed.
I am adding one of your garden pictures and a link to your blog on my Your Gardens page. If you want it removed it will be no problem. alistair

Donna@Gardens Eye View said...

What beautiful gardens especially those grasses...

HolleyGarden said...

Very, very pretty! Great ideas for pairing plants here. Love the Japanese Silver Grass, and the popcorn plant looked very interesting! They should set up a popcorn stand beside it. The smell of popcorn always makes me want to indulge in it! They would sell a lot, I bet!

Indie said...

I remember reading your other post about the Hersey gardens and being wowed by the grasses. They truly use them with style! I'm still trying to figure out how to use grasses well in my garden in conjunction with other plants.

Those are some truly stunning containers as well!

Chris said...

Toni: I love those warm hues! Your grasses are stunning as well - anyone reading, be sure to check out her post on Regal Muhly.
GWGT: Glad to take you on a trip down memory lane!
Alistair: I'm honored that you chose to include Garden Sense in your "Your Gardens" page. Thanks!
Donna: They really used grasses effectively, don't they?
HollyGarden: Thanks! Popcorn Plant is new to me - very interesting!
Indie: Grasses are great when used well! Hopefully this gives you some new ideas.

debsgarden said...

The color combinations are wonderful. I, too, admire the blue mist spirea/ orange mum combination. And the popcorn plant is fascinating. I would like a plant that smells like popcorn!

Christine said...

Stunning gardens! thanks for sharing. Your photos are fantastic.

Andrea said...

They are 'glorious grasses' indeed. The color combinations are amazingly beautiful. Many of those plants are tropical too.

Shyrlene said...

Looking at those beautiful grasses makes me realize once again this Autumn that my gardens need more grasses. Now that we are into the second week of November - there is little to look at other than the evergreens and the few Karl Foresters. Lovely virtual walk through Hershey Gardens! Thanks so much!

Nat said...

What a great set of photos here. Those popcorn plants are new to me, I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

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