Fall Photos of Our Ornamental Grasses at Lovegrass Farm

The Fall is the Prettiest Time for Ornamental Grasses.  It's also our Favorite Season of the Year! We've been cleaning up in the Garden and Planning for next year.  We've had quite a few visitors that have come to see the Grasses in their Fall Splendor & make Wish Lists for next Year!  It's been Great to see Folks from Nova Scotia & New Brunswick, as well as our Native P.E.I.!!   We enjoy sharing what we've learned about growing and caring for Ornamental Grasses & meeting people that Love Grasses as much as we do! 

Eragrostis spectabilis (Purple Love Grass)

Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)

Seslaria autumnalis

Andropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem)

Eragrostis trichodes (Sand Lovegrass)

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)



Carex buchananii 'Red Rooster'



Seslaria heufleriana

Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'

Morning Dew on Our Ornamental Grass at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.



Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'

These photos were taken last Friday morning (September 2, 2011) at Lovegrass Farm.  The heavy dews of late Summer make for some pretty sights in the Early Morning Garden!


Panicum virgatum 'Native' & 'Heavy Metal'

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier'

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'

Sporobolus heterolepsis (northern dropseed)

Miscanthus Giganteus with Deschampsia & Blue Oat Grass in front

Seslaria autumnalis

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue oat grass)

Wind Effects on Ornamental Grasses at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.

A Windy Day at Lovegrass Farm on P.E.I.

Hurricane Irene, then Tropical Storm Irene, luckily so far for us has brought some needed rain and enough wind to mesmerize me watching our Grasses blow around!  Gosh, I wish everyone could see how beautiful they look today!  We are often asked the question, how do they hold up in the wind, because we are on the shore and we get a lot of wind?  These photos of before & after should answer those questions!

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' blowing in the wind

Karl Foerster after the Gusts of Wind

Blogger is giving me problems this morning uploading photos so I'll have to add more later when it's cooperating!

AAH! Summertime on P.E.I. Gotta LOVE IT!

Our Favorite Beach looking West

Our Favorite beach looking East

The last ten days or so have been making up for the cooler, wetter Summer we've been having!  It's been 23 C to 27; perfect for berry picking & Beaching!  We went off to our favorite beach last Friday and took along a couple of our extended family for company.  It's about an hour's drive away which makes it seem more like a holiday.  We packed a picnic basket including fresh blueberry lemon muffins & of course fresh wild blueberries since I had been picking with my Friend/Sister the day before!  The water is finally warming up for swimming and we didn't see a jellyfish!  We like to stay away from the touristy beach area which isn't difficult to do for there are hundreds of beaches all around the Island.  Some are rocky but most are sandy. Our favorite is on the South shore facing the Northumberland Strait.  On a clear day you can see Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia on the horizon.  There was a haze in the distance in the morning and I had the kids believing (for a minute) that the Magdalen Island Ferry in the distance was a phantom ship. (The younger one was a tad frightened by that so I had to tell them the difference) darn!

Mount Hope Lookout Tower

We stopped on our way home to climb a Lookout Tower for a view of a large Marsh.  We had just picked the kids each a cattail, which they were calling bullrushes, so we were trying to explain the difference.  They are such little sponges for learning!  Love, Love, having an abundance of young people in our lives!!

More Twig Wreaths For Sale at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.



Side View of Bronze Larch Wreath to show Depth of 18 in. (45 cm.)

Large Larch Wreath 54" Diameter (1.4 m)

Large Grey Birch Wreath 48" diameter (1.2 m.) 16" depth

Sweetfern Wreath on Reindeer Moss 24" diameter (60 cm.)

Large Blonde Larch Wreath

Small Bronze Larch Wreath 36" diameter (90 cm.)

While cutting twigs from our dormant Larch trees we discovered that there were a variety of colors to the twigs on different trees so I named them what the colors reminded me of.  The lightest one I call Blonde, deeper colors Gold and a couple of trees were even darker so they became Bronze.  The Gold and Bronze really show nicely in bright light.  I believe this to be a Very Unique Wreath that holds up really well outdoors!  Our Wreaths are Handmade on Wire Rings with Twigs from our P.E.I. Fields and Forests.

The Lavender is Blooming at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.

Our Lavender Bunches

Cutting Our Lavender on July 14, 2011

The Lavender is beginning to bloom on our Farm.  Our plants are organically grown Lavandula Angustifolia.  The darker Hidcote  and some of the Krajova are in bloom.  Munstead will be out a little later.  Sunday sounds like its going to be a Hot day that will really bring the bloom along; a change from the unusually cool and windy days of late!  If anyone would like to come by and cut their own lavender send us an email.  There is something Sooo Relaxing about sitting down in the Lavender Rows! 
Lavender is an edible Herb!  When cooking, use it lightly, a little goes a long way, and too much will leave a bitter taste.  Add 1 Tbls. dried lavender to 4 cups of sugar and let it sit for a couple of weeks.  Sift out the lavender and use the sugar normally.  Sprinkle fresh lavender on a salad for a unique taste and visual appeal.  Lavender substitutes for Rosemary in all dishes.  If you are grilling meat, sprinkle some dried lavender on the hot coals to add flavor and a lovely aroma!  You'll find lots of recipes on the Internet.

The Meadow Garden at Lovegrass Farm on P.E.I.

Hordeum Jubatum (Foxtail barley)

Our Meadow Garden needs some weeding out of hay and more aggressive grasses so we can see the plugs planted last year.  Not getting around to it has made for some pretty surprises.  Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) showed up in the meadow about two feet tall in lovely full plants.  It is native but I've only seen it before along the roadside as individual plants about 8 inches tall.(20 cm.)  They are Very Soft-a tickle you under the chin plant for kids-of all ages!  Researching the plant, I've seen it in a photo of Scott Ogden and Lauren Springer Ogdens' meadow garden in Colorado.  They are spoken of as being exceptional plant persons and designers both. It was located beside their seating around a fire pit where you could  just reach out and touch.  It is promoted as doing well on salt-laden coastal sands so may be one we'll grow for seaside plantings.

Koleria macrantha (June grass)

Koleria macrantha or June Grass is aptly named for it makes a nice showing in June and early July .  It prefers sandy and well-drained soils and it gets that with us in spades.  It only grows 1 to 2 ft. (30- 60 cm.) tall so we'll be able to mix in some wildflowers like Echinacea pallida (which I found in some trays overwintered from last years seeding! :)

Butterflies

Butterflies and Humming birds and Bees are everywhere in the Garden these days!  It Pays Off not to use any Herbicides or Pesticides and to have a great diversity of plantings!

Deschampsia Cespitosa Ornamental Grass at Lovegrass Farm on P.E.I.

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Native' after a heavy rain on July 10, 2011

The Deschampsia Cespitosa Grasses continue to look Beautiful in all their stages.  I took this photo today from atop a step ladder to give a better view (I'll have to do that more often).  This is the Native Deschampsia, which has been in bloom now for over a month.  We had a heavy rain yesterday and last night (moisture that we are grateful for) and it knocked down the Deschampsia but they will pop back up as they dry off.  They grew taller than normal this year as did a lot of Grasses and Perennials because of the wet cool Spring and early Summer. 

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier' on July 9, 2010

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier' (bronze veil) started blooming just over a week ago; almost a month in the difference!  I'm keeping closer track this year with photos to see if there are other differences in the plants.  It is Beautiful as well!  Both plants will be available for sale in September!

STRAWBERRY TIME Mmm! Gotta Love Summer on P.E.I.!

Our Strawberry Patch

It's Strawberry Season and we're Loving It!  The Crows are the only Annoyance--They're even getting under and through the bird netting we put up to eat MORE than their share of our Berries!  If anyone knows a way to outwit them We'd Love to hear about it!  Our Niece was visiting yesterday and having a cone of ice cream with us and remembering when she first moved out on her own and she realized she could have ice cream for Breakfast now if she wanted to!  On that same note we had strawberry shortcake this morning at 9:30 just cause we Could!  I tried a new recipe made with whipping cream instead of butter in the biscuits and added some nutmeg.  I Let the sliced strawberries sit for a while with a little sugar and amaretto and whipped the cream with maple syrup and cardamon.  (Wolfed them down So Quick; didn't have time to think about a photo)

Summer is Here, I Think!

Deschampsia cespitosa June 24, 2011 (Native to PE)

It's officially Summer but still pretty unseasonably cool.  Great weather for moving plants around and very few annoying insects!  We're still open for Business for field dug plants until next Sat. at midday and there are still several field dug grasses available.  We have a Wedding Celebration to go to that afternoon.  We have a number of Lavender plants potted up and several varieties of grasses, ferns & some perennials in grow bags for later sales into July.  We had very cold wet weather early in the week but most of the plants must have liked it for many of the grasses seemed to have grown a foot in a few days!  The Deschampsia looks so pretty now.  Everyone that comes by seems to want some for their gardens and luckily we have another variety 'Bronzescheiler' that hasn't bloomed yet so we are still able to dig that.  Photos don't really do Grasses justice so if anyone wants to come by just to see our Grasses in person send us an email and we can let you know when we're available!  The native Deschampsia will be for sale again in September along with the Blue Oat & others.

Lavandula angustifolia 'Krajova' June 24, 201

I feel sorry for the Lavender Plants; they are sending up flowers, right on time, but I'm not sure how the lack of sunshine and heat will affect the crop of lavender!  This photo is of our two year old Czech Lavender I grew from seed.

In Our Meadow on June 25, 2011

Our Meadow has been left pretty much to do what it will because we haven't had the time to weed it yet but hey that just means our native meadow plants will be filling it in and I'm looking forward to see what Mother Nature has in Store!  There is going to be loads of flowers blooming in a week or so and what I love the most about all of this abundance is the pleasure of something new every day we go out to work in the garden or just do a Walk About!  Happy Gardening Everyone & Enjoy the Summer!

There's Been A Few Changes Around Here at Lovegrass Farm

Our Farm on June 10

Those of you who visited our little Farm earlier this Spring would not recognize it now!  We've been busy dividing, transplanting, weeding, and spreading eel grass for mulch.  AND, we even mowed the grass!  So, if you're coming for a visit this weekend you shouldn't get your tootsies wet at all!  Plants are growing Fast and Furious and many are now too far along to be dug :(  (But there's always next year!)


Deschampsia cespitosa June 10

 The Deschampsia is looking So Pretty!  Remember, it will still be available in Sept. once the temps. start to cool down.  Deschampsia 'Bronzeschelier' hasn't bloomed yet so it is still available for sale.



Miscanthus Giganteus on June 10

LAST CALL for Miscanthus Giganteus and Miscanthus Purpurascens this weekend unless you want to trim them back when you plant them!  Miscanthus 'Sarabande', 'Gracillimus', and 'Variegatus' are at their height limits for transplanting as well.  We will have a few in grow bags; first come first served!


Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'

The Panicums are perfect for transplanting now as are Big Bluestem & Little Bluestem, Indian grass, Sporobolus heterolepsis (northern dropseed), Blue Fescue, the Eragrostis'es (Lovegrasses) & Calamagrostis 'Overdam' because we moved them this Spring and that has slowed them down a bit.  There are still some Pennisetum 'Hameln' & 'Moudry' left.


Lavandula angustifolia 'Krajova' June 10

The Lavender Plants are now potted up for you convenience.  People are amazed that they are fragrant even before they bloom!  I've potted up a bunch for around our seating areas & for gifts!


Blue Oat grass June 10

Everyone that sees The Blue Oat these days wants one or two or more (Just remember they'll be for sale again in Sept. Folks!)  Our Gardens are Full of Bees these days; when the wind dies down again I'll try to capture some photos of them on the flowering Geraniums and Blueberries.  Thanks Mighty Pollinators! 



Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Ornamental Grass at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Backlit by the Setting Sun in the Fall

Pennisetum (pen-niss-SEE-tum) alopecuroides (al-oh-pek-yur-OY-deez)  is commonly called Fountain Grass because the foliage arches near the tip giving the plant a graceful fountain shape. It is a Warm Season Grass; often late coming up in the Spring.   'Hameln' is a compact form reaching 2 - 3 ft. or (60 - 90 cm.) tall in flower.  Especially suited along a walkway where you can reach down and touch the bottle brush like inflorescences.  The creamy white flowers are shaped like a fox's tail and make superb cut material for bouquets.  The foliage turns amber gold in the fall.  It's leaves are only 1/4 " or (7 mm.) wide.  Hameln grows best with regular moisture but is drought-tolerant once established.  Make sure your soil is well-drained where you place it.  The most important factor to consider is placing it so that it can be back lit by the rising and setting sun.  It is at it's loveliest when covered with dew or frost and back lit by the sun!

Pennisetum 'Hameln' covered in frost at Sunrise

'Hameln' before bloom in early Summer

Busy Days at Lovegrass Farm

Blue Oat Grass, June 1, 2011



Our Native Deschampsia cespitosa, June 1, 2011

You'd never know it was a late & Cool Spring!  All our Ornamental Grasses are up and Growing Fast!  Blue Oat and the Native Deschampsia are already sending out their flowers.  They are going to look Gorgeous in about another week; Can't Wait!   Of course this means they shouldn't be moved again until Fall.  We've been busy dividing and transplanting and spreading compost and eel grass.  There are some new varieties of grasses growing in our hoop house; always Exciting to see what one can grow from seed!  

Deschampsia 'Bronzeschleier'

Miscanthus Giganteus, June 1, 2011

Miscanthus Purpurascens, June 1, 2011

Deschampsia 'Bronzeschleier' is later to come into bloom so is still okay to move.  It might not be much more than a week before Miscanthus Giganteus and Miscanthus Purpurascens are too tall to move so if you've been meaning to come for some of those best to come soon!  We still have some lovely big Lavender Plants left.  Pennisetum 'Hameln' & 'Moudry' are ready for sale.  Miscanthus sinensis "Gracillimus', 'Sarabande', & 'Variegatus' are growing very quickly.  We are sold out of 'Zebrinus' for this year.  The Panicums are up this week and ready for sale as are Big Bluestem & Little Bluestem, Indian grass, Northern dropseed, purple lovegrass, sand lovegrass, and a few more.

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' , June 1, 2011
Blowing in 60 km. winds today

We have a few varieties of warm season grasses planted in grow bags (only a small number of each) that we will sell after mid-June when it is too late to sell field dug bare root.  We also have a few varieties of perennials and hop vines in grow bags.   They will all cost a little more than bare root plants.  There are blooms on the fruit trees and the blueberries & strawberries.  The lilacs are showing color.  It seems every day brings on something new!  We've already had our fill of Rhubarb custard pie & Jam!  Now to just get time to get the vegetable garden in!