Peak Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grasses - June 2022

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I know that Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grasses are very (as they say) basic.  You'll find them in plenty of landscapes around Northern Illinois.  But that's for good reason:  they are really strong performers.  Across multiple seasons.  They stay upright and proud to provide winter interest, but they also put on a show as they grow in early Summer.  In fact...I'd say that right now (mid-June) really *is* PEAK Karl Foerster grass season.  They've grown up for the season and have put out their flowers on the tips that are light green.  But, the blades of the grass - in particular their color - are the real stars of the show.  

Here's a few looks at various Karl Foerster grasses around the yard right now below.  First, some of the grasses planted right off our patio.  These were planted last Fall and were divisions.

Next up are the three that are in the mulch island between our front walk and our driveway.  These, too, were divided last year (and this Spring).

Here, below, is another look at these same driveway grasses:


Below are four grasses that I transplanted around the Norway Maple last Fall.  This has ALWAYS been a very tough place for things to grow, so I'm pleased to see these hardy ornamental grasses come back this season after being transplanted.

Here, below, are a trio of these ornamental grasses that came from divisions last year and are planted in front of our drywell.


And, lastly, here are three non-divided grasses and one small division (from this Spring) by our Screened Porch door (below).

Again...I know they *are* super basic.  But, I'm good with that and like them.  I also like that they bring some repetition to my garden by having them planted in multiple spots.  And, maybe the (other) best part?  They can be divided every couple of years - so that means....free plants.  What's not to love about that?

I have them in a few other places - like IB2DWs - that I'll post about in the coming days when I cover the state of that bed in a separate post.

Location: Downers Grove, IL, USA

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