2014 Perennial Plant of the Year: Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (Switchgrass)

Panicum Northwind summer foliage

Each year, the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) names an outstanding plant its “Perennial of the Year.”  The selection for 2014 is Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’,  an ornamental grass that was a runner-up in 2012.  This is one of the first PPA winners in recent history that I have not personally grown and used in landscapes, so I ...

Continue Reading→
0

Silver Spring Landscaping

cortaderia-selloana-pampas-grassTypically, we wait until the very end of winter to cut back ornamental grasses in Silver Spring.  But for some reason, this year they’ve been looking more tattered than usual, despite the absence of heavy snowstorms that generally decimate them.  We have, however, been blessed with one or two days each week when the temperatures have climbed to 50 degrees or more, and this allows us to tackle ...

Continue Reading→
0

Ornamental Grasses Add Pizzazz

Every landscape should include a nice selection of ornamental grasses. They are very easy care plants – generally only needing shearing back close to the ground in early spring. They like lean soil – no need to fertilize. They are reliably deer resistant and pest free. They provide a range of benefits in the landscape – e.g., they make useful ...

Continue Reading→
0