Pennisetum: Finish the Season with Drama

Beautiful arching fountain grass for summer

When was the last time you thought about pennisetum? Chances are you can’t remember. Fountain grass is one of those plants we use often enough but tend to take for granted. This is a key time of year to keep it on your radar.

Funky and fuzzy—ruffled ‘Twisted Orange’

Here’s a celosia that makes a great partner for ‘Intenz’ that we introduced a few weeks back—the bright orange and magenta make a hot combo. On that note, these are two more heat lovers that deliver color right on into autumn, in shades that work for both seasons of décor. Texture alone is reason enough to use them—they’re funky and fuzzy so everyone wants to touch them.

Ruffled ‘Twisted Orange’ is an example of a crested type celosia, an intriguing complement to the feathery, plume-style flowers of ‘Intenz’. Both bold colors stay vibrant in containers for full sun and look best with regular watering. Add some ‘SolarPower Lime’ ipomoea and you’re good to go.

Unique blooms mix easily

These unique blooms actually mix easily with most other colorful sun and heat lovers—butterflies find them attractive, too. Of course, with fall approaching nothing screams Halloween décor quite like an orange brain-shaped flower. 

‘Twisted Orange’ comes in the 6-inch pot; ‘Intenz’ is available in the 6-inch and the 8-inch sizes.

They're back—Wicked Hickory’s food truck

Remember that Field Day is fast approaching—a unique opportunity to stroll through our beautiful display gardens on a guided tour led by yours truly. See what’s new and take inspiration from my years of experience and our carefully thought-out professional designs, as we discuss my favorite topic: plants. Here’s the schedule in case you missed it:

MORNING SESSION

• Registration: 9:30AM
• Tour: 10:00AM
• Lunch: 11:30AM 

AFTERNOON SESSION

• Registration: 12:30PM
• Lunch: 12:30PM
• Tour: 1:15PM

On to my second favorite topic: lunch. Back by popular demand, the Wicked Hickory food truck will be here serving up some lip-smacking pulled pork and luscious mac & cheese, along with a mouth-watering lineup of other smoky selections, sauces, and sides. We’ve got plenty of napkins, along with comfortable tables and chairs so we can relax and enjoy a delicious meal. If you were here last year you know how much I am looking forward to this BBQ.

http://www.wickedhickory.com

There will be a $5 fee to attend Field Day, which includes lunch and our Display Garden Planner for easy note taking. Remember: we walk the gardens come rain or shine so dress for the weather and wear your walking shoes! Please RSVP by August 16th—just call the office and let us know how many will be attending.

Come join us—you’ll be glad you did. We look forward to seeing you!