So many shades of green from blue to gold and everything in between! So many shapes and forms – short, tall, round mound, very upright, arching! So many choices! How can one decide which will look best in a rock garden, as a border, in a container, as a screen, interspersed with shrubs, perennials and annuals. Check our catalog to learn which grasses we carry. Occasionally we obtain some that are not listed. There are many books with wonderful photographs of existing gardens. Look at the specimens we have in our display gardens. What would look good with your existing gardens. Are you starting from scratch? Decide on the type of look you want to accomplish and get started.
The advantages of growing ornamental grasses are many. They are low maintenance, have few if any enemies (pests and diseases), good for erosion control, provide winter interest, many have nice fall color, and can provide a naturalized or formal look to the garden. Grasses blend well with so many other plants such as Perovskia (Russian Sage), Sedum Autumn Joy, Nepeta, Dianthus, Echinacea... the list could become quite lengthy!
There are two types of growth habits: clumping forms and running types. Clumping forms grow in tufts, slowly increasing in girth. Running types spread underground by rhizomes and form a dense mat. Many running types can become invasive, but are good for erosion control, for example on a hillside.
When planting grasses do not plant them too deeply, water them immediately and keep them well watered, until established. Grasses like a soil rich in organic matter but are really not too fussy. Too much nitrogen may contribute to a weak, floppy plant and a lowered resistance to insects and disease. The most important factor in regard to the soil is good drainage. Keep in mind the mature size of the plants when placing them in your garden - they will get larger! Grasses can be left untouched for the winter season. Early in the spring cut them back to about 3-6 inches. You will notice that grasses are classified as cool or warm season types. Cool season grasses will emerge before the soil warms, many have good winter color. Warm season grasses like to wait for warmer conditions before they send up new growth, and most have wonderful fall color. Most grasses like full sun, some will tolerate partial shade. Carex grasses need to be in the shade.
Ornamental grasses can be small and cute or big and bold. Imagine a large clump backlit by the sun, or with sparkling, clinging drops of mist, or rustling in the breeze. A cute little blue Festuca nestled with a brightly colored Dianthus. What a wonderful feeling. They definitely are fun! Give them a try.
Judy Malloy