Incorporating Ornamental Grasses In Garden Designs
Ornamental grasses are a versatile, easy to grow and a wonderful addition to the garden
. The wide variety of ornamental grasses offer a wide range of colors, textures and sizes. Many ornamental grasses are perennials returning year after year while annual varieties live for only one season.Ornamental grasses provide year round interest. The flowers and seed heads of many grasses are lovely and may last months. Some will provide interest through the winter. Maiden Grass, for instance, has copper-red flowers in long tassels that appear in late fall, turning into white plumes in winter. Foliage provides additional interest with a range of fine to coarse texture. Some grow in softly arching forms while others grow firmly upright. Their wide ranging colors include green, red or purple and yellow. Many grasses have amazing fall color as some turn yellow, orange, red or purple. Grasses also give interest to the garden in ways that few other plants can. They sway easily in the wind, adding the charm of movement and rustling sound to the landscape.
Through summer ornamental grass can serve as a striking backdrop to a flower garden. They're also useful as a screen or hedge. Grasses with unique form, color or flowers can be used as accent plants while smaller species can be used as groundcover and edging.
Ornamental grasses grow in either clumping mounds or by spreading. Spreading grasses, such as ribbon grass and zebra grass, expand rapidly. It should be noted that these can easily spread beyond their spot in the garden. Clumping types, such as fountain grass and fescue, grow larger each season and form low mounds or tall fountains.
Most ornamental grasses grow best when planted in well drained soil and in full sun. A few northern species prefer protection from the intense afternoon sun in the summer.
The process of planting ornamental grasses is similar to that of perennial flowers. If plants are root-bound, loosen the roots around the bottom and sides of the root ball. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the root ball and just as deep. Next, place the plant in the hole making sure that the top of the root ball meets the garden's existing grade. Backfill around the roots with a mix of existing soil, peat moss and compost and water. While many mature grasses are drought tolerant, they need a healthy root system to withstand dry periods so adequate watering is important.
Since many grasses are attractive during winter cutting back can be done in early spring. With pruners cut stems to a few inches above ground for best appearance. Gently rake through the grass in spring to remove old leaves.
Clumping grasses should be divided every few years, otherwise they may become die out in the center. Dividing overgrown ornamental grasses will keep them healthy. Simply dig the grass out of the garden, making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Take a spade and slice the plant in half. Replant promptly so the roots don't dry out.
Incorporating ornamental grasses in your garden plan provides a sense of movement, sound and vibrant colors to your landscape.
by: John Green