Molinia Caerulea Variegata
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Some of my favourite grasses are the moisture loving Molinias – caerulea variegata is an exceptionally good grass, having creamy white stripes down the middle of the blades. It’s a later flowering grass, which blooms better in climates with cooler summer night time temperatures – not a problem here then! It only grows to about 2 feet  – seedheads included! I have in the past grown them in large pots and they grow really well providing you remember to water on a regular basis! The 2 molinias below are in a small raised bed with Heucheras, Veronicas, Monarda Pink Lace, Eryngium Bourgatii, candelabra primulas,small red patio rose which has bloomed all summer along with the Verbascum Southern Charm, which has bloomed since May – this is a true perennial which I keep cutting back after the flower stems finish and it keeps on throwing up more and more and we’re now into September and they’re still ongoing! I also have an acer in the same bed – along with numerous springtime bulbs, such as Narcissi, Fritillarias, Anemones! This bed is only about 4′ x 5′, so lots in a small space, but it keeps the weeds at bay!IMG_0382IMG_0381

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Clematis Tangutica

Clematis Tangutica

Clematis Tangutica below, nearing the end of its bloom time, with the gorgeous fluffy seed heads hanging on in there – probably won’t be much left of them after todays’ heavy rain and blustery winds! This is a very hardy clematis and blooms over a long period in the summer months! Can be cut hard back early spring! I have Euphorbias and other assorted perennials at the base to keep the plant from having a scruffy bottom!

Clematis Tangutica Seedheads

Clematis Tangutica Seedheads

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same shrub border

Same shrub border

Shrub Border

Shrub Border

This border is approx 4 years old now and I very rarely touch it – a bit of cutting back in late Autumn, and a bit of a tidy early spring and that’s it! I need beds which look after themselves as I don’t have a lot of time to garden unfortunately! The hedge is Hebe Rak. and the shrubs are Diervilla to the left with honeysuckle along back fences, Hydrangea pan. Limelight, Spirea, Rowan, Sambucus Black Lace, and Physocarpus Darts Gold – along with a few perennials which pop up in summer!


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