Native Plants Archives - Page 23 of 26

Pink grass

This was the view from the dining room window this morning. I was enjoying the sun on the prairie dropseed (bottom right) and Indian grass (left of middle). Then I noticed the the soft pink blooms of the muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris).

What a delightful, unexpected surprise! It’s a new plant and when I looked at it recently I saw no sign of it blooming. I was thinking it might need to be replaced. Now I’ve decided it’s a keeper.

The bloom appears airy and delicate and reminds me of pink cotton candy – a bit of magic in the garden. I’m glad it’s proving to be sturdy and drought tolerant – the backyard is sooooo dry right now.

I am quite fond of my native grasses. I like the way they catch and change with the light and how they bend with the wind. It’s nice to know they will still be around when the summer flowers are gone.

Seeing more with a camera

Autumn colors are here and beauty abounds. I find that using a camera helps me focus and notice nuances I would otherwise miss. For example, we are enjoying the fall colors in our tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica), also called black gum.

However, until I photographed it I hadn’t noticed the rich mixture of red, orange and green leaves and the dark contrasting branches.

Using a camera helps me see things that would otherwise escape my notice. I recently wrote an article for the Lexington Chevy Chaser encouraging people to use a camera to see more.

I’d be glad to know if you have had similar experiences. I’d also like to hear other ideas for seeing and enjoying the beauty that’s close at hand.

Hearts-a-burstin’

Yes, this is the name of a native Kentucky shrub. Other names include hearts-a-bursting with love, and strawberry-bush (Euonymus americanus).

Our 4 ft. shrub has proven to be hardy, growing underneath a large pine tree in dry, shady conditions.

It’s quite showy this time of year when the prickly-looking magenta pods break open to display the bright red-orange seeds and is another of my favorite plants.

This week I welcome three new subscribers. It’s encouraging to know others share my interests, and I appreciate your comments and questions.

Jack-in-the-pulpit

How’s this for some bright autumn color?

I look forward to Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) in my shade garden in the spring. I also enjoy it in autumn. Its brilliant red seeds add a splash of color and catch my attention whenever I walk by.

Mist Flower

This is the bees’ and butterflies’ favorite plant right now. Mist Flower or Wild Ageratum (Eupatorium coelestinum) is in full bloom. Many of the summer flowers have faded while the fall asters and goldenrods haven’t yet blossomed. Mist Flower is drought tolerant – a welcome characteristic during our current Kentucky hot and dry spell. I also enjoy bringing it inside as part of a garden bouquet.

In addition to various bees, I’ve seen skippers, silvery checkerspots and monarch butterflies enjoying its nectar. The visitor above is an Ailanthus webworm moth (Atteva aurea). It is an occasional visitor in the garden and I like its unique design.