Ornamental Grass
When we think of grass, we typically think of the type we mow, that covers the majority or our yard, or the type that we weed from our flower and vegetable beds. But a whole family of ornamental grasses exists that have a place in the landscape. There are low growing spreading forms, to large clumps with graceful blades. They are at home in any landscape, and are an easy and carefree addition.
Most grasses are at their peak in the fall, with an array of colorful seed heads. Grasses offer a diversity of color, form and texture to the landscape year-round, but really add interest for fall and winter. Grasses can even add sound to the garden in rustling foliage and dried seed heads. Most grasses perform best in full sun, although there are some shade lovers in the bunch. Given the variety of mature sizes, it is best to investigate the plant, before selecting one. Learn the eventual height and spread, to ensure you get exactly the type of grass you are looking for.
When we talk about ornamental grasses, we aren’t limiting ourselves to strictly members of the grass or graminaea family. We’re also including grasslike plants, including sedges, rushes and even some members of the lily family.
Choices
Growing grasses as ornamentals isn’t new, but the variety of choices is. Many of us are familiar with, and have been growing, the giant pampas grass for years. And using grasses for fresh and dried flower arrangements, have been popular since Victorian times. These days there is a desire to have low maintenance landscapes, and naturalistic landscapes are becoming quite popular. We also are trying to branch out of spring only landscapes, and have interest for every season, so the search is on for additions to the fall and winter landscape. Enter grasses.
Divisions
Grasses can be divided into two major divisions--those that clump, and those that run. Unless you are looking for erosion control, or need the ground covered quickly, you may want to avoid the runners. Running grasses spread by means of underground stems known as rhizomes, or above ground horizontal stems known as stolons. They can be invasive, and hard to keep contained. Clump formers are less competitive, but again, depending on variety, they can take up room in the garden over time. They blend in better in the typical landscape.