Introduction to Ornamental Grasses
Grasses need no introduction. Scientifically, we may say that they are monocotyledonous plants of the family Poaceae, (Gramineae). Nearly 20% of the earth's vegetation is grassland and according to estimates, there exist nearly 600 genera and approximately 10,000 species of grasses. Besides decorating the garden, grasses also provide various grains that form our staple diets, and also the Bamboo, which finds myriad uses. Grasses vary in height from a few centimeters to several feet.

Description of Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are all not true grasses. Other similar plants such as rushes (Juncaceae), sedges (Cyperaceae) etc. also find place in gardens as ornamental grasses. As grasses can adapt themselves to varying environments and survive different seasons, they are a popular addition to gardens. There are grasses to suit each terrain as well as need, either as ground covers, screens, edgings or companions; e.g. Nassella tenuissima or Silky threadgrass forms clumps of greenish yellow and suit mass plantings as well as containers. The seed heads adorn dried flower arrangements. Perennial fountain, plume grass, feather reed grass etc. are all popular ornamental grasses.

Types of Ornamental Grasses
The selection of grasses for a garden should be based on the terrain as well as the function, whether as screen or ground cover or companion etc. There are cool season grasses and warm season grasses, and also grasses that suit a dry terrain and grasses that suit a moist or wet terrain.

The grasses that start to grow early in spring are generally cool season grasses. Grasses such as Blue Oat Grass ((Helictotrichon), Fescues, Tufted Hair Grass (Deschampsia) are examples of this variety.

Japanese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sp.), Hardy Pampas Grass (Erianthus), Prairie Cord Grass (Spartina), Perennial Fountain Grass (Pennisetum), etc. are warm season grasses which grow well in a warm environment.

Andropogon gerardii or Big bluestem, Eragrostis trichodes or Sand love grass, Bouteloua curtipendula or Side oats grama, and Schizachyrium scoparium with bluestem, are some warm season grasses suitable for dry gardens. Festuca idahoensis Idaho fescue and 'Siskiyou Blue' or spruce blue are among the cool season grasses suitable for dry gardens.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora or 'Karl Foerster' - Foerster's feather reed grass, Arrhenatherum elatius bulbosum 'Variegatum' or variegated bulbous oat grass and Chasmanthium latifolium or Northern sea oats are cool season grasses best suited for moist gardens.

Miscanthus 'Giganteus' (M. floridulus) or Giant silver grass and Miscanthus sinensis Maiden or silver grass, are warm season grasses best suited for moist gardens.

Growing Tips for Ornamental Grasses
Grasses enhance the beauty of any garden through their appearance, fluidity, movement and sound, almost like how a fountain or stream does. Most grasses are a significant presence in gardens, whether dry or in foliage because of their beauty in each stage.

Planting Ornamental Grasses
Careful selection of the type of grasses and their location prior to planting determines the success of a garden.
Grasses are best planted in spring. The soil should be turned well and organic manure incorporated into it in advance. Generally grasses do not need much fertilizing but application of10-10-10 @ ¼ cup per clump or 1/lb per 100 sq. ft. is desirable.
Annuals can be grown from seeds. The seedlings should not be planted too deep but the junction of the roots and leaves must be at ground level.

Watering Ornamental Grasses
The soil moisture must be maintained without water logging immediately after planting to ensure the development of a sufficient root system. The first season grasses need regular watering but established plants need only occasional watering especially in drought seasons. Watering needs vary with the type of grass and the garden environment.

Maintenance of Ornamental Grasses
Mulching will serve to retain moisture, check weeds and control reseeding.

Propagating Ornamental Grasses
Division depends on the type of grass, whether it is a rhizomatous grass and spreads horizontally through underground stems, or forms clumps. Rhizomatous grasses are excellent ground covers and spread over the area. They also check soil erosion, and the spread of weeds.

Clumps enlarge and need to be divided every 2-3 years. Bamboo is an example. The miniature bamboos or bamboo shoots are popular bottle garden plants.
Grasses are mostly left to stand even in winter for 2 reasons, the dry foliage and flowers are often very attractive and the dry foliage keeps the roots/rhizomes protected from frost. However, they are very flammable and hence care should be taken to locate them away from human habitation and food storage sheds in order to prevent accidental fires. The foliage must be cut back about 4 inches from ground level before spring to help the grass grow new shoots. Old foliage left to rot on the plant even after the onset of spring will result in delayed development of fresh shoots.

Pests
Few pests affect grasses. Aphids, mytes etc. can be checked by a strong spray of water.

If you like Ornamental Grasses...These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory