Incorporating ornamental grasses into your garden design can transform your outdoor space into a dynamic, textured, and visually appealing haven. These versatile plants sway gracefully with the breeze, adding movement and a touch of the wild to your garden and added bonus, they are really low maintenance plants  Whether you have a sprawling estate or a modest garden, grasses can enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of your landscape. So read more on how to garden with grasses and go wild in your garden!!

Embracing the Movement and Texture of Grasses

The South East of England is known for its breezy conditions. Instead of battling the wind, why not embrace it by introducing ornamental grasses that dance with every gust? Unlike rigid shrubs, grasses offer a flowing elegance, evoking the spirit of the countryside even in urban settings.

To achieve the full ‘grass effect,’ it’s essential to plant them in generous groupings. A solitary grass can appear lonely, but masses create a river of movement through your beds. In larger gardens, consider planting them in sweeping drifts or ribbons that meander through your landscape, creating a sense of cohesion and flow.

Low Maintenance Appeal

One of the standout features of ornamental grasses is their ease of care. They may take a while to establish, but by July, they command attention, adding interest as early summer blooms begin to wane.

Many grasses can be left standing throughout the winter. As their green hues fade to sandy golds, they capture dew and frost, offering a picturesque scene in the colder months. Come spring, once new growth appears, a simple cut back to the ground rejuvenates them for the new season. Some evergreen varieties require only minimal thinning to maintain their vigor.

Selecting the Right Grasses for Your Garden

With thousands of varieties available, choosing the right grasses can be overwhelming. Here are some recommendations to guide your selection:

Tall and Majestic Grasses for your Garden

• Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana): Once a staple of 1970s front gardens, pampas grass boasts creamy white plumes that rise majestically above its foliage. When integrated thoughtfully with other large grasses, it serves as a striking focal point. Consider pairing it with:

  • Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ (Zebra Grass): Noted for its horizontal stripes.
  • Miscanthus sinensis ‘Flamingo’: Features graceful pink seed heads.
  • Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yakushima Dwarf’: A more compact variety suitable for medium-sized gardens.

• Giant Feather Grass (Stipa gigantea): Celebrated for its tall stature and golden oat-like flowers that shimmer in the sunlight.

• Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea ‘Karl Foerster’): Offers an upright habit with delicate flower spikes that add a vertical element to the garden.

• 

Medium-Sized Marvels

• Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’): An upright grower with feathery plumes that persist into winter, providing year-round interest.

• Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’): Notable for its upright form and reddish foliage that intensifies as the season progresses.

Compact and Versatile

• Pheasant’s Tail Grass (Anemanthele lessoniana): Displays a blend of copper, green, and tan hues with a relaxed habit, thriving even in dry shade conditions.

• Sedge Varieties (Carex spp.): Ideal for dry areas, with notable varieties including ‘Ice Dance’ and ‘Evergold,’ which offer striking foliage and resilience.

• Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima): Features fine, hair-like foliage that adds a soft texture, perfect for borders and containers.

• Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca): A small, clump-forming grass with blue-gray foliage, adding a cool tone to plantings.

• Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’): Offers dramatic, nearly black foliage that contrasts beautifully with lighter plants.

Companion Planting with Grasses

In nature, grasses often intermingle with wildflowers, creating harmonious and dynamic ecosystems. Replicating this in your garden can enhance its visual appeal and biodiversity. Consider these combinations:

• Mexican Feather Grass (Stipa tenuissima) and African Lily (Agapanthus): The fine texture of the grass complements the bold, spherical blooms of Agapanthus.

• ‘Yakushima Dwarf’ Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Yakushima Dwarf’) and Burnet (Sanguisorba ‘Pink Brushes’): The upright form of Miscanthus pairs well with the airy, bottlebrush flowers of Sanguisorba.

• Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea ‘Poul Petersen’) and Ornamental Onion (Allium ‘Purple Sensation’): The delicate flower spikes of Molinia provide a backdrop to the bold, purple globes of Allium.

• Fountain Grass (Pennisetum ‘Viridescens’) and Sneezeweed (Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’): The dark, arching plumes of Pennisetum contrast with the rich, daisy-like flowers of Helenium.

When designing with grasses, ensure they are distributed thoughtfully throughout the garden. This strategic placement allows you to observe the wind’s path as it animates the grasses, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.

Where to Purchase Ornamental Grasses in the UK

For those inspired to incorporate these versatile plants into their gardens, here are some reputable UK suppliers:

• Knoll Gardens:  UK’s leading specialist nursery for ornamental grasses.
• Marchants Hardy Plants:   based in Laughton East Sussex