Ideal Grasses For Your Garden.
Question
Can You suggest some grasses for my garden?
Answer
Transform your garden into a mesmerising tapestry of colours and textures with a carefully selected array of ornamental grasses. From the striking stripes of Miscanthus Sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ to the delicate elegance of Briza Maxima, each grass brings its own unique charm to your landscape.
Miscanthus Sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ steals the spotlight with its captivating yellow horizontal stripes that adorn its foliage during the summer months. As autumn rolls in, this graceful grass surprises with the emergence of silky brown-pink flowers, adding an extra layer of beauty to your outdoor space.
For year-round structure and visual interest, look no further than Stipa Arundinacea. Despite its modest height of about 1m (3ft), this grass commands attention with its enduring form and the delightful bonus of autumn and winter hues. Whether standing proudly in the border or adorning a container, Stipa Arundinacea proves itself as a versatile and eye-catching specimen.
Hordeum Jubatum stands as a testament to nature’s artistry with its stunning display of silky, greyish panicles that sway in the early and mid-summer breeze. Watch in awe as the tips of these panicles take on a reddish or purple tinge, creating a sight of exquisite beauty. Best showcased in massed groups or as a charming border accent, Hordeum Jubatum adds a touch of elegance to any garden setting.
For those seeking a whimsical touch, Briza Maxima emerges as the perfect choice. This annual greater quaking grass thrives in cottage gardens and beneath the canopy of apple trees. Its slender stems, almost ethereal in their delicacy, play host to tiny heart-shaped flower-heads that dance in the gentle breeze. Come autumn, these flower-heads transition to a subtle beige hue, adding a soft, rustic charm to the landscape. With a modest height of 60cm (2ft), Briza Maxima effortlessly integrates into various garden designs, lending its unique allure to every corner.
Rounding out our selection is Miscanthus Sinensis Kleine Silberspinne Compact, a compact yet impactful addition to any small garden. This clump-forming grass boasts narrow, silvery leaves adorned with a striking white midrib. Its dark red-brown narrow fan-shaped flower plumes steal the show in summer, gradually fading to a shimmering silver as autumn approaches. Perfectly suited for smaller spaces, Miscanthus Sinensis Kleine Silberspinne Compact offers a touch of sophistication and grace to intimate garden settings.
With their diverse colours, textures, and forms, these ornamental grasses invite you to create a landscape brimming with visual delight and natural elegance. Whether
Caring for Your Ornamental Grasses
Watering: Most ornamental grasses are drought‑tolerant once established, but they appreciate regular watering during their first growing season. Water deeply once a week to encourage strong, deep roots, especially in prolonged dry spells.
Feeding: In early spring, sprinkle a balanced, slow‑release fertiliser (around 6‑6‑6) at the base of each clump. Avoid high‑nitrogen lawn feeds, as these can make grasses grow soft and flop. A 2–3 cm (1 in) mulch of well‑rotted compost will also improve soil and provide a gentle, season‑long feed.
Cutting back: Leave the faded foliage and flower stems in place over winter for structure and wildlife interest. In late February or early March, cut the stems down to 10–15 cm (4–6 in) above the ground before the new shoots appear. Wear gloves and use sharp shears or secateurs.
Dividing: Every 3–4 years, divide congested clumps in spring to rejuvenate growth and create new plants. Lift the clump with a spade and prise it into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots, then replant at the same depth and water well.
Pests and diseases: Ornamental grasses are generally trouble‑free, but watch for waterlogging in heavy soils, which can cause root rot. Improve drainage with grit or organic matter if necessary.
Winter protection: Most hardy species need no protection, but container‑grown grasses benefit from bubble wrap around the pot or moving to a sheltered spot to prevent the roots from freezing solid.
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