Arachnomuhly or Webs Of Grass

There has been rain, blessedly. The day after this welcome rain we braved the wetness to go out with the camera in the morning when the light shines at a flattering angle across the garden.The black seeded fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ has been outstanding this year. This is a strong self sower but is planted in the center island of the curbing that is home to larger shrubs and fronted by liriope. The aggressive nature of Moudry has allowed it to infiltrate the boring liriope adding the black fox tails for more pizzazz. In the winter the straw colored stalks and poufs give movement and contrast to the evergreens.  Many photos have been shot of this grass trying to give the readers an idea of its beauty.  But as the photos are culled, there is another grass that always wins the starring roles.The still stunning Muhlenbergia capillaris won’t allow any other grass to steal our hearts. Covered in moisture, it resembles a pinkish cloud along the driveway. The understory treescape under the tall pines is a kaleidoscope of fall phantasmagoria.Like dew on a spiderweb, the droplets clinging to the muhly are captured easily by the camera. Blocking the progress as we go up the steps to the knot garden, you must whisper the secret pass word to enter. Do you know the magic word?  No?  Just slip in behind me and we will walk as one.The limp layers look like lilting limbs from the Elysian Fields*.  Or layers of spun silk.  Or spider webs.The solitary blossom of the Knockout rose adds to the seductive powers of the muhly.Viewing the magic from the pond with the reds of the Japanese maples casting spells of unsurpassed beauty on the scene.Yet another muhly grass has moved into the Fairegarden. This is not the same pink covered in moisture to look white, this is Muhlenbergia capillaris ‘White Cloud’, purchased in Asheville. Impossible until now to capture for a portrait, the liquid covering helps the camera read the loveliness.
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* In Greek mythology the Elysian Fields, or the Elysian Plains, were the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and the virtuous. From Wikipedia.
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Frances
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Now you didn’t think we would reveal the secret magic password did you?
F