Ornamental Grasses

While most of us are just beginning to rake the leaves dropping from our deciduous trees, others are busy planning and scheming next years’s gardens. Paper garden catalogues are generally available in January, but with the number of online catalogues, the avid grower can begin planning at any time.

This year, won’t you consider adding a couple of clumps of grasses to your ornamental beds?

I am always impressed by the fall display of colour in the saltmarshes and even along lakeshores, where there are extensive stands of grasses. The rippling as the wind blows through the stems is something to see, whether summer or fall. The rustling sound adds another sense and the still vertical form adds even more visual interest.

Here are some especially attractive grasses to plant:

For crimson fall display select Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

Low-growing ground cover is provided by Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica `Red Baron'), although its spreading nature needs containment by fencing or pots,

Plumes of flower stalks often overwinter on Pampas Grass. (Cortaderia selloana) These very tall spreading stems can provide a statement as well as a living hedge if desired.

Speaking of living hedges, silvergrass (Miscanthus sp.) is both a living hedge and a source of fibre and bio-fuel, according to recent research.

Japanese Blood Grass, photo from Dave's Garden, UK