Modern, low maintenance, and interesting, ornamental grasses make a unique impact in gardens, either on their own, or planted in patterns and groups. Ornamental grasses, and spurge, come in all shapes and sizes and are a neat way to fill an area quickly and easily. They come in a variety of colors and textures. Some are bright red with thin leaves; others are greens and blues and have broad leaves. They look impressive in landscaped areas when grown and planted in groups, and are extremely easy to maintain during the winter and fall months. Their flow-like movement and sleek appearances make them a modern addition to a garden space, and their minimalist attributes help to create a design that is both interesting and futuristic.
Most ornamental grasses prefer to be planted in well-drained soil and require a whole range of different light requirements based on the variety. For the most part, the ornamental grasses that have broad green or greenish-blue leaves are best suited for partial sun locations, and the narrow yellow and reddish leaved grasses fair better in full sun. Papyrus, one of the most impressive ornamental grasses, can even withstand being planted on the edge of a creek or pond. Sandy or loose soils are best for most other grasses, and their clumping habit allows them to create impressive borders or edging to an already standing garden.
To add ornamental grasses to your garden, select ones that are roughly the same height as the plants that are already established. Some ornamental grasses are quite short, and would do much better at the edges of your garden as a border. Grasses that are too short in an already established garden will struggle to gain the light and nutrients they require. Spurge, rooster grass, or plume grasses are great for the center of island beds, or to be added to a more mature garden because they tend to grow much quicker and to a higher matured height.
Ornamental grasses, typically in late summer or fall, produce flowers, or small spikes that contain pollen and seeds. These spikes reach out from the base of the plant and add texture to the overall shape of the grass. In the winter or late fall, when the rest of the garden cleanup begins, it is important to cut back ornamental grasses to a height of roughly 10cm in order for them to produce new growth the following year, as they are perennials. Some ornamental grasses do not require this, but it is important to double check on the information tags to confirm.
The ability to tolerate moderate drought conditions, and requiring little to no maintenance during the growing season, are two of the most popular reasons to incorporate ornamental grasses into your yard or garden. Their wide range of colors and sizes make then a unique and modern addition that creates movement and can be used to border or accent already established beds and landscape features. They are deer resistant, and are not susceptible to pests or disease like most other plants, and are easy to groom and care for during the winter months.
