ORNAMENTAL GRASS
Try using ornamental grasses in containers, and in your landscape to gain a whole new dimension to your outdoor space. Ornamental grasses add an important element to the garden experience that is not readily obtained from many other plants: MOVEMENT. When the wind blows these grasses will shift and dance adding dimension to your garden space. Not only do these grasses provide movement, but they can add contrast to the softness of blooming plants. With structure and form, ornamental grasses are a nice juxtaposition in the garden.
With many different colors, varieties and sizes you can find something to fit your space. Tami Eilers, McDonald Landscape Designer, explains that, “The uses of grasses are limitless. The shorter ornamental grasses can be used to edge beds. Mid-size grasses are added for vertical lines and to blend textures. The taller grasses can be used to provide the structure or backbone for a landscape bed.” Some of my favorite grasses are: black moudrie for winter hardiness, cosmopolitan for variegated contrast, zebra for fun and pink muhly for softness!”
Reasons we love ornamental grass:
- They require little effort to maintain.
- They come in many heights, colors & textures.
- The seed heads & foliage add stunning fall and winter interest.
- They can be used as thriller plants in containers, and as vertical design elements throughout your landscape.
Our top choices include:
Mexican Feather Grass - Delicate and graceful leaves and airy flower heads sway gently with the slightest breeze. Reseeds to naturalize in meadows or on slopes for erosion control. Combine with Sedums and Asters or tuck into a rock garden.
Miscanthus Adiago - Hundreds of plumes held above the foliage emerge bronzy-pink, fading to white. A dwarf plant with graceful, silvery-green arching foliage becoming a whirl of orange, gold and burgundy in fall. Spectacular in mass or mixed into perennial borders.
Pennisetum Little Bunny - The most dwarf of the fountain grasses with fluffy, buff colored blooms. Terrific contrast used in rock gardens, borders, foundation plantings, or in perennial beds. Foliage turns golden russet in fall. Adds interest and texture to container gardens. Drought tolerant when established. Perennial.