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Ornamental grasses add an air of elegance and character to a yard. Whether it is included in elaborate landscaping or nestled amongst garden flowers, it is sure to add a special flair to the surroundings. Besides adding beauty to outdoor surroundings, plumes from ornamental grass can be dried for vases or for use in flower arrangements.
According to the website Gardening With the Garden Helper, the article "Ornamental Grasses in the Garden" says that ornamental grasses grow best in well-draining, rich soil. Also, it requires little care, is disease and pest resistant, and it does well in most sunny locations.
When preparing the area you wish to plant ornamental grass, keep in mind the roots generally run deep, and the ground will need to be worked to a depth that is twice the height of the root ball, says "Ornamental Grasses in the Garden". Also, keep in mind how large the ornamental grass is likely to grow. Some varieties will become quite large. The same article says, ornamental grass should be planted with open space surrounding it that is equal in size to the height the plant is likely to reach when fully mature.
"Ornamental Grasses", written by Ed Thompson and published by The Ohio State University Extension, lists information on several types of ornamental grass. Having this information is helpful when deciding what grasses to incorporate into the landscape. The following information adapted from "Ornamental Grasses" provides names, descriptions, and requirements for a few popular varieties.
Maiden grass reaches a height of eight feet and has green and white foliage with burgundy flowers. It requires full to partial sun and moist to wet soil. Maiden grass grows in a cluster and is used to accentuate an area. In the latter part of March it should be cut back to ground level.
Blue oat grass requires full sun, and soil that drains well. It reaches an average height of six feet and has blue or blue-green foliage with a beige flower. Blue oat grass grows in a mass, and it makes a nice ground cover. It can also be used to accent other plants. The flower should be removed in the latter part of the summer, and the dead leaves should be removed early in the spring.
Northern sea oats reach an average height of seven to eight feet. It has green foliage and boasts a green flower that changes to beige. The self-seeding plant does well in shade, and its moisture requirements are dry to moderate. It grows in a cluster and should be manicured in early spring.
A showy yellow-white flower sits atop tufted hair grass. It has green foliage that grows in a cluster, and it reaches an approximate height of five and one half feet. Tufted hair grass is often used as a border, an accent, or in a cluster. It should be cut down to one inch above ground level after flowering in the spring.
"Ornamental Grasses in the Garden" recommends the following steps for planting. First, the hole should be dug to a depth that places the root ball slightly beneath ground level. After placing the plant in the hole, fill it with water and soil. Lastly, when the soil has been tamped down around the plant, water it once again. An inch of water is required once a week until the plant is well established, says "Ornamental Grasses in the Garden". It recommends feeding the plants with a slow-acting fertilizer each spring.
The same article says there are varieties that do well throughout winter, and they will only need to have dead foliage removed. When ornamental grasses become too large "Ornamental Grasses in the Garden" says they can be divided in the spring and replanted.
Ornamental grass can add lasting beauty, and it is a wonderful asset to a yard. There are many more varieties to choose from. Check with a garden center or mail order catalog, and see which varieties will do well in your particular location.
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