There's an interesting open space between two newer buildings on 4th Avenue in downtown Portland. To the north is the city's 1900 Building, shared space between the City of Portland and PSU, so it houses both the Bureau of Development Services and PSU classrooms.
To the south, the plaza was developed when a new PSU computer science facility was built several years ago. The design is spare, with linear concrete planters and simple seats as part of the planters. In winter it's almost bleak, and in summer the plaza really cooks in the sun.
There are only a few small trees along the sidewalk, so whatever went into those planters needed to be very heat tolerant.
Although I'm not a big fan of single-species plantings, I think this grassy solution is both appropriate and beautiful. I don't know many grasses, so I won't hazard a guess as to the species. Ideas, anyone?
The grasses are in almost constant motion due to the air currents between the buildings. The waving plumes and sheer size of the planting makes me think about how the Great Plains might once have looked.
There's an interesting open space between two newer buildings on 4th Avenue in downtown Portland. To the north is the city's 1900 Building, shared space between the City of Portland and PSU, so it houses both the Bureau of Development Services and PSU classrooms.
To the south, the plaza was developed when a new PSU computer science facility was built several years ago. The design is spare, with linear concrete planters and simple seats as part of the planters. In winter it's almost bleak, and in summer the plaza really cooks in the sun.
There are only a few small trees along the sidewalk, so whatever went into those planters needed to be very heat tolerant.
Although I'm not a big fan of single-species plantings, I think this grassy solution is both appropriate and beautiful. I don't know many grasses, so I won't hazard a guess as to the species. Ideas, anyone?
The grasses are in almost constant motion due to the air currents between the buildings. The waving plumes and sheer size of the planting makes me think about how the Great Plains might once have looked.
Ooh, pennisetums, I think, with the fuzzy flowers, what kind-I don't know. The more airy flowers, I'm not sure, but I like them. I love lots of plants, I could never do all one kind in my own garden, but I like it when it's well done elsewhere. And this is definitely well done.
ReplyDeleteLovely grasses and great photos of them. Thanks for the tip about the courgettes - I'll do that. I've made courgette bread before ... don't know why I didn't think of that!
ReplyDeleteI love grasses in the landscape. I also think it's a pennisetum. I personally like other types of grass blooms better but you can't beat an ornamental grass for it's graceful simplicity, and fall/winter interest. I've seen it used a LOT recently in public areas - not sure if I"m just noticing it more, or if landscapers are using it more, but it's great.
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