Adding Interest To the Garden With Ornamental Grass

Ornamental grass varieties are a versatile group of plants that create an impression of abundance in the garden by their mere presence. They can be used as a single clump to provide valuable filler foliage or as a showy centrepiece arrangement standing proudly in the middle of the garden. They're a versatile group of plants and can be grouped together to from hedgerows or as a formal border.

For the most part, ornamental grass varieties aren’t fussy about the soil types they are given. With water conservation an ever-present consideration these days, ornamental grasses become an ideal garden choice with many of them drought tolerant with the exception of sedges. They require a variety of positions but will generally do best in a sunny to partially shady position.

Taking a look at a few specific types of ornamental grasses we can get a grasp of the diversity of uses they exhibit.

Some, such as Muhly Grass will sit largely unnoticed in the garden blending in with its neighbours as an unremarkable looking plant that grows to a height of around 3 foot. Seemingly from nowhere comes an eye-catching display of pink-red inflorescence as the cotton candy flowers put on a late summer display.

In larger gardens you may find an ornamental grass such as Pampas Grass commanding attention as a magnificent clump ruling over the rest of the garden looking visually stunning. Growing up to 12 feet tall and crested with a showy plume of feathery white or pink it can put on a real show. However, Pampas Grass must be carefully tended and is regarded as a noxious weed in some areas.

On the smaller end of the scale is the Mondo Grasses with varieties such as the black, dwarf, giant and a variegated form these are a versatile and useful addition to the garden. Used as a groundcover or low border they can really define the tone of a garden.

A quick run through of some of the popular ornamental grasses to consider includes: Blue Fescue, Maiden Grass, Pennisetum, Northern Sea Oats, Zebra Grass, Fountain Grass, Blood Grass and Bunny Tails.

The various types of ornamental grasses have a lot to offer a garden and is well worth considering when planning a new garden design. Whether using them as a border, a ground cover or a striking floral statement they will give the garden an added memorable elemental design.