IN the autumn season of talks, the Frome Selwood Horticulture Society enjoyed a change to the programme, with a none-the-less enthralling talk on grasses.
The society reports, “Speaking from years of experience, Malcolm Mills from Castle Gardens, Sherborne, pictured, managed to disentangle the grasses from the sedges; the hardy from the tender; and the native from those from far flung China and New Zealand.
“Understanding the native conditions for plants is a watchword for how well they will do in our gardens. There were, Malcolm advocated, grasses for every soil, even to the extent that some even needed containing. Spreading by underground runners or from clumps to be split or by seeds blown in the wind, grasses may be a valuable feature in the garden for its shape, form and changing seasonal colours.
“To prove his point Malcolm built up a display of grasses, cleverly mixing height, texture and colours by changing around his potted grasses on the table. A single Californian Stipa variety from pony or pheasant tail to Mexican feather, which for some are considered weeds; alongside a Miscanthus Indian summer or morning light, and adding a Festuca Intense blue in amongst annuals or herbaceous, make for a vibrant combination in a mixed border.
“Malcolm recommended ‘doing everything in the spring’: cutting down, transplanting and splitting, and even buying new, especially for the grasses which succumb to the cold winter.
“The ornamental Pennisetum is particularly tender and best preserved by bringing into a well ventilated greenhouse and laying on its side. The Carex is the reverse as a thoroughly hardy, sedge like architectural evergreen.
“As the gardeners headed towards their own autumn comfort, their mood was reflected by the rustic tints of fading green, reds and golden hews, and of the Chinese silver grass or Miscanthus silvester.
“Questions demonstrated what an impact the talk had made. Castel Gardens might well be expecting big sales for grasses along with the integrated planting with Salvias, Verbenas, Asters, sedums and the zingy Rudbekia Goldstar. Armchair gardeners were equally impressed!
“The FSHS meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Critchill School, Frome, BA11 4LD. Prompt start at 7.20pm. Members, and visitors welcome. Please call Jane on 0777 6208531 or jane.norris9@ gmail.com for more information.”
