Ornamental Grasses

Not Your Average Kentucky Blue

For the gardener looking for carefree plants which are not only asthetically pleasing but also provide movement, texture and even privacy to the landscape the Ornamental Grass can't be beat. There's no need to get the noisy lawn mower out to keep these looking their best and you can forget about dreading invasions of grubs and moles, fertilizing, removing thatch, continual watering and fussing about dandelions and other weeds. Once planted these lovely fuss-free Ornamental Grasses take care of themselves with liitle help from you. Merely give them a "haircut" come spring and they do the rest.

Browse through The Ornamental Grass Zone and you may be surprised to see how many ways you can use these lovely perennials in your own yard.

The winter landscape is no longer stark with Miscanthus swaying in the wind

photo by Aunt Owwee

Choosing ornamental grasses for winter

by Brent Roper

When choosing ornamental grasses for the winter, one must first be aware of the region which they are in and how cold it gets. I currently live in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Here the winters are mild, ho...read more
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And you thought ornamental grasses were boring.

If you are thinking ornamental grasses are all the same think again. For something out of a Dr. Suess book try Juncus "Big Twister" Grass . This wild and funky little perennial will be a show stopper in any garden.

So what if you want something for your other senses, something with a scent? Is there an ornamental grass for that? Need you ask? Try rubbing the delightful slender leaves of the Lemon Grass and see what you think. For centuries it has been used for cooking by those loving a lemony flavor to their food. It also makes a yummy and soothing tea good for the belly ache. Who would have thought an ornamental grass could find its way to your medicinal herb garden?

See how to give an ornamental grass a trim.

Why Didn't I Think Of That?

If you are tired of the same old chainlink or stockade fence try going organic. Can't get more organic than a fence using not stone, wood nor metal but instead real live gracefully swaying Ornamental Grasses. Large Ornemental Grasses are perfect for separating garden rooms within the landscape, too.

A large Purple Moor grass or Miscanthus sinensis when planted close together so their graceful leaves just touch for a solid wall would make a barrier between you and whatever you want to keep out of your space. Create a hidden spot only you know about encircling it with Pampas Grass just like Mary Lennox of "The Secret Garden" . Merely push aside the rustling foliage and step into your own private world away from all others.

So what are you waiting for? Get rid of that ugly immoveable, lifeless fence and plant a fence with graceful movement , alive and vibrant. Your landscape never looked so inviting.

Drought-resistant ornamental grasses

by Glory Lennon

The intelligent gardener knows the Ornamental grass can be used to provide movement and contrast in a perennial border, winter interest in the landscape when all else is gone and instant "walls" fo...read more
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Growing ornamental grass

by Glory Lennon

There is nothing so soothing as the sound of a gentle breeze blowing through the long slender leaves of the stately Maiden Grass and setting the Purple Moor grass swaying gracefully nor the sight of t...read more
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Check out these lovelies

Don't know which Ornamental grass is right for your landscape? Click on the name and get the lowdown on each and a nice picture, too. Now the problem will be which one not to get.

Japanese Forest Grass

Northern Lights Grass

Pink Pampas Grass

Red Wind Forest Grass

Rose Fountain Grass

Zebra Grass

Silver Fountain Grass

Even the Rock Garden can accommodate an ornamental grass

photo by aehack

Is it a grass or is it a tree?

Though they may stand some 20, 40 and in some cases even 60 feet high bamboo is technically a grass. But what a monster of a grass! Put the lawn mower away and get out the hacksaw if you want to tangle with Bamboo. And don't believe it for a minute that they are uncontrolable. You just have to be tough with it and learn the tricks.

photo by trekkyandy

Showing Comments 1 to 2 of 2

Glory Lennon

Posted on: Jul 17, 09 at 04:45 PM

Yep, I get it, Carolyn! Glad to give you some ideas. That's the whole point, isn't it? Let me know if I can help in any way.

Carolyn Noblett

Posted on: Jul 17, 09 at 03:04 PM

I love this zone on ornamental grass. I have 2 or three varieties of seeds that I just didn't get out this year. I'm thinking maybe container grass would be a good idea for my 20 x 30 hot sunny deck, along with zoning <<< get it? my yard. :) I'm making notes right now! Carolyn Noblett

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Bamboo Forest

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Not Your Average Kentucky Blue

The winter landscape is no longer stark with Miscanthus swaying in the wind

Choosing ornamental grasses for winter

And you thought ornamental grasses were boring.

See how to give an ornamental grass a trim.

Why Didn't I Think Of That?

Drought-resistant ornamental grasses

Growing ornamental grass

Check out these lovelies

Even the Rock Garden can accommodate an ornamental grass

Is it a grass or is it a tree?

Glory Zones

Showing Comments 1 to 2 of 2

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Zone Manager

Bamboo Forest

How to grow bamboo without letting it take over your yard

How to grow edible bamboo

How to grow bamboo outdoors

How to grow bamboo indoors

A look at which varieties of bamboo to grow