Dew drops on fennel seeds

Ferula communis

I love how the morning light catches the dew drops hanging from the seed heads of what I'm pretty sure is Giant Fennel.

Morning light on Miscanthus

Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus'

Back-lit by the morning sun, Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' shows off her amazing self. Staying sturdy and upright even in the 40+ mph wind storms we've had, this great grass really is a top notch plant. Easily the most elegant and top performing grass in my Front Yard.

First light on the Melianthus

Morning light on Melianthus

Probably one of my favorite plants, Melianthus major is a stalwart in the Piet section of the Front Yard. Indigenous to South Africa, aka, "Peanut Butter plant" because the bruised leaves smell like peanut butter. To care for this plant, I let it stand until the first hard frost. Then I cut it to the ground and cover the crown with the cuttings and add other twigs and leaves to form a 1 foot mound of mulch.

Piet Falls Apart

'Piet' view from the Dock

This photo is about 5 weeks old and it shows the 'Piet" section of the front yard just starting to fall apart. The Molinia caerulea 'Transparent' (front) is starting its late fall collapse. The stunningly sturdy Miscanthus sinensis malepartus stands upright--even through the string of wind storms that have pummeled the northwest.

Syneilesis-aconitifolia

Although I grow Syneilesis aconitifolia for the leaves, I have to say that the seed heads are quite nice too.

Senecio cristobalensis

I just love this plant. Love, love, love! It was a weak-knee moment when I first came across it at Heronswood where I was wandering around in a pleasant plant stupor when it just presented itself to me. The gorgeous leaves (I've never seen it bloom) hold morning dew like liquid jewels. I also love the way it catches--in this instance--the late afternoon fall light. After several attempts at propagation, I finally found success. I'm hoping I don't lose my mojo because I'm leaving several plants in the ground to see if they winter over. (I'm still keeping a few in the greenhouse over the winter!)

Helen's Flower

Helenium 'Morheim Beauty'

For years I've read about the the virtues of Helenium 'Morheim Beauty' as a stalwart in the late summer-early fall garden. And for whatever reason, I just couldn't see them fitting into my garden. Until now. The yellow-orange-red zing amidst the fading grasses is a pleasant piece of summer. When much of the garden has given up the ghost, Helenium 'Morheim Beauty' soldiers on and on. It will be interesting to see how the plant takes to life in "Piet" next summer.

Early Morning Light on Piet

View of Piet from the Dock

This is my view from the "Dock" where I sit and have my morning coffee--at least when there's still light. Although this photo was taken last September, I posted it because I probably am trying to hang onto the warmer weather and the longer days.

Late Summer Sun

The sun catches the grasses in the Piet section of the Front Yard

Way back when I saw the first picture of a Piet Oudolf-designed garden, I knew that somehow I had to try to create my own take on what this Dutch designer was creating. Though the area I call Piet is a far cry from his design, I still smile when I see the early morning sun catching the grass inflorescence.