Monday, November 2, 2009

Grass Lesson 101


     My sister and I love using ornamental grasses in our garden designs. Ornamental grasses are versatile, beautiful, low maintenance plants. They can be used as specimens, foundation plantings, ground covers, screens, or as container plants. In addition, they make great companions to flowering plants and woody shrubs.
     Ornamental grasses are available in a wide array of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes. The flowers and subsequent seed heads are equally diverse, ranging from "ho-hum" to truly spectacular. Each species has its own form, color, and movement pattern. In the fall, spring, and summer many ornamental grasses change their hues from shades of green to shades of red and beige providing a dramatic winter garden accent. The flower spikes (inflorescence) are excellent for drying with colors ranging from maroon to yellow to white. Ornamental grasses also add a dimension of motion and sound to a landscape. This is perhaps their most delightful feature.  As the grasses dry in the winter months, their movement pattern changes and they emit a lovely and soothing whisper.



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're giving me great ideas for the area on my property which needs a major update - grasses are required for sure! Thanks Well Done. ~Carol

Danae said...

I love grasses and naturally growing greenery, too. In fact, the whole English freestyle garden is very appealing. Well done, Garden people! (AND happy birthday Rebecca! I logged on!)

Anonymous said...

I put some beautiful grasses next to our new sidewalk. All the stuff you said is coming true outside my kitchen window. Thanks for the lesson. Happy Birthday Rebecca!