Miscanthus sinensis 'Malepartus' and Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)

Both the tall grass Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’ and the Tree Fern – Dicksonia antarctica seem to be in their prime right now:

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’ - has just started showing its red flowers. This grass grows to about 2m high and requires very little attention, all that’s usually needed is to cut down the dead stems before new growth comes through each Spring. This year the wet and windy August weather conspired to make the clump loll about in all directions, a loop of string mid-way around the clump did the trick of bringing it back together. Later in the autumn the grass stems will die becoming whitish in colour as will the seed-heads but it remains an architectural plant throughout the winter.

Dicksonia antarctica – Tree Fern – I had some concerns during the hot weather in July that this Tree Fern was too exposed to the sun (since next-door removed a large tree). However, perhaps because of the cool August, it is looking very good and is even putting out some new fronds. I continue to give it daily oceans of water through the crown and blasting the trunk with a strong jet from the hose-pipe. By late Autumn I will stop watering and pack the crown with old dead fronds or fleece ready for winter.