#moudry

Goodbye Pennisetum. Hello opportunity.

This donor wall at the Morris Arboretum has been home to a combination of a two grasses for some time - little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and black fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry'). The fountain grass variety ‘Moudry’ prolifically self-seeds and has been identified as a potential or emerging threat to natural areas in the mid-Atlantic region. We definitely see its aggressive and seedy tendencies here, where we find it popping up in the turf and in areas far removed from its original location. Maintenance wise, it’s also a pain in the ass to cut back in the fall or spring. Not only is it super tough to cut through, but the seedheads stick to every article of clothing and are painful. 

Plus, I always thought it looked strange and coarse in combination with its more refined and well behaved neighbor little bluestem. 

So, enough was enough. With the help of my boss Vince and coworker Tom, we ripped them out today. I never thought I’d say this, but it’s mesmerizing to watch someone use a backhoe for hours. In between bouts of nearly breaking our backs lifting the huge root masses, we just stood around and watched the backhoe arm rip, tug, yank, and knock the grasses around. 

The bed is stripped down now, and It’s going to be a great opportunity to try something new and more eye catching. I’ll keep the blue/silver theme, but stay tuned for the next additions.