Ornamental grasses are graceful perennials that add movement and texture to any garden. They grow in just about any part of the country--from the hot, dry desert southwest to the coldest climates in the North. They look great all season long but are especially striking in the fall.
When planting grass, consider height, texture and see-through effect. You can use some grasses as a background to other plants. Others are very soft and create a nice veil, allowing you to see what's behind it. There are a wide variety of grasses available. Some grasses grow up to eight feet, while others stay very small.
Blue oat grass, a popular short variety, is great for adding spikey texture to borders. For a dramatic flash of color, try Japanese bloodgrass, which glows when backlit by the sun. For shady spots, the golden feathery foliage of forest grass is perfect for creating a focal point. How about 'Skyracer' moor grass (Molina arundianaces 'Skyracer') It's a tall, delicate grass that looks great either in front or in back of a perennial bed. Grasses used in a very formal bed create a beautiful, graceful hedge.
Besides being beautiful, the best thing about ornamental grasses is that they're very low-maintenance; they're drought- tolerant, deer-resistant, and insects and pests don't seem to bother them at all. Unlike other perennials, you don't have to cut them down in the fall; they look great all winter long.
The best time to plant ornamental grasses is in the spring and fall. If you plant them in the fall, make sure they have enough time to get established before cold weather hits. Most ornamental grasses like full sunshine. Don't worry about amending the soil. In fact, too much fertilizer will cause the plants to grow too quickly, becoming top-heavy and floppy.
Planting is very simple. Dig a hole as deep as the container. Gently remove the plant, pulling apart tangled roots. Place the grass in the soil, cover the roots and then water the plants. Make sure to mulch them in the fall and cut them down in early spring, leaving about six inches. And believe it or not, that's all there is to it.
Ornamental grasses are showcased at the Noerenberg Gardens in Plymouth, Minnesota. Head gardener Arla Carmichael designs and maintains the garden, which has more than 30 varieties of ornamental grass.
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