Foliage Follow-up: 10.16.2010

When Pam Penick, of the blog Digging, visited our garden in early September she remarked on my clumps of Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra), noting she couldn't grow it in her Austin, TX garden. I was surprised but also secretly gratified since I am always envious of the gorgeous Sedums and Agaves she grows. So here are the three variations on forest grass that I am currently growing in honor of Foliage Follow-Up, the meme that Pam sponsors on the day after GBBD. 

Hosta 'Inniswood' — obviously not a grass — but the perfect foil for fine foliage.

Hosta 'Inniswood' with Hakonechloa macra solid green

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (above and below). 

As you can see from this image, Japanese forest grass looks best if you plant it on a gentle slope where its cascading habit is most evident.

Comments

[Rose]

The Japanese forest grass is a lovely accent, Linda, and I like the way it drapes over the rocks. Your hostas look so good! Mine are mostly turning yellow and definitely going into dormant mode right now.

[gretchen]

hi, linda, i've been reading your blog for a long time now and love it. the pictures and commentaries are beautiful and give me lots of ideas and things to think about. but now, a question ... i also have the 'aureola' which i recently moved to a new location. it was in deep shade and it seemed a bit gloomy, didn't want to grow. now it has a bit more sun for next year. do you have any advice or suggestions for keeping it happy? i understand that it's supposed to be slow growing but mine has refused to budge at all. thanks for any help you can give!

[Pam/Digging]

Ah, lucky you to be able to grow this stunning plant. And it works so well in your Japanese meets Midwestern garden.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

I can see why Pam liked your grasses so much. You have the perfect setting to show them off. Happy FF day.