Choosing Your GrassesGrasses For Cut FlowersCalamagrostis (Reed Grass)Deschampsia (Tufted Hair Grass)Miscanthus (Maiden Grass, Jap. Silver Gr.)Panicum (Switch Grass)Drought Tolerant GrassesAndropogon (Bluestem)Calamagrostis (Reed Grass)Festuca (Fescue Grass)Helictotrichon (Blue Oat Grass)Miscanthus (Jap. Silver Grass)Panicum (Switch Grass)Sporobolus (Prairie Dropseed)

Moisture Tolerant GassesCalamagrostis (Reed Grass)Carex (Sedge)Deschampsia (Tufted Hair Grass)Miscanthus (Jap. Silver Grass)Panicum (Switch Grass)Grasses For Fall ColorMiscanthus (Jap. Silver Grass)Panicum (Switch Grass)Prairie GrassesScreening GrassesCalamagrostis (Reed Grass)Miscanthus (Jap. Silver Grass)Panicum (Switch Grass)Shade Tolerant Grasses (part - full shade)Calamagrostis (Reed Grass)Carex (Sedge)Deschampsia (Tufted Hair Grass)Hakonechloa (Jap. Forest Grass)

Cool Season and Warm Season GrassesCool season grasses will start to grow earlyin the season and seem to have better foli-age quality when the temperatures are coolor if given sufficient water during periods ofdrought. They bloom early.Cool season grasses include: Fescues,Helictotrichon (Blue Oat Grass), Calama-grostis (Reed Grass) and Deschampsia(Tufted Hair Grass).

Warm season grasses will do better duringwarmer times of the year and remain goodlooking even when temperatures are highand moisture is limited. Warm seasongrasses do not begin to show growth until theweather becomes stable and the soils warm.Warm season grasses usually do not requireas frequent division as cool season grasses.Warm season grasses include: Miscanthus(Japanese Silver Grass), Andropogon(Bluestem), Panicum (Switch Grass) andSporobulus (Prairie Dropseed).

OrnamentalGrasses

Prairie Dropseed

The History of GrassesGrasses have a long and interesting history. Sincethe beginning of time, grain, rice and corn haveserved as a basic food staple for humans as wellas livestock.To use Grasses as an ornamental plant in thegarden is a fairly modern addition to its many uses.Grasses are some of the first plants to settle in anenvironment. They are sort of the pioneerspreparing the way for other plants. Most Grassesare fairly hardy and very adaptable, growing well inplaces where other plants struggle.To watch and listen to the wind play with the tallgrasses, making them bend and sway in the wind,is a real joy. It makes the experience of gardeningso much richer and it evokes feelings of wild anduntouched nature.We encourage you to make room in your gardenfor these great plants. Hopefully this brochure willhelp you choose the Grasses that fit your gardendesign the best.

Planting GrassesOrnamental grasses are low feeders. Beforeplanting Grasses, improve your soil by addingcomposted manure or other compost. A 4 foot tallgrass needs approximately 2 to 3 feet of spacing.Larger plants require more spacing, whereasshorter plants can be spaced about 1 foot apart.

Designing with GrassesIn mass plantingsUse Fescues, Carex, Pennisetum or MiscanthusGrasses.In the perennial borderGrasses look nice with Daylilies, Russian Sages,Sedums, Rudbeckias, Asters and Coneflowers.As a garden sculptureMany of the Miscanthus, Panicums,Calamagrostis, Pennisetum or Spartina.With trees and shrubsPlant among Dwarf Junipers, Daphne, Buddleiasand Heathers.In theme gardensSuch as Rock gardens, Bog beds and Japanesegardens.Used as a screenPlanted close together they work great as a hedgeor they can soften sharp corners of a house.EdgingPlant along a path or as a low border in front of abed.Transition plantBetween different sections of the garden.With other foliage plantsCarex, Hakonechloa and Golden Millet work wellwith Hostas and Ferns in the shade.Alternative to lawnsUse Grasses like Miscanthus, Pennisetum,Calamagrostis and Fescue to create island beds inthe lawn by replacing green lawn with these moreOrnamental Grasses.

Maintenance of GrassesSpring is the time to do the few chores that yourgrasses require. Ornamental Grasses should becut back to about 6” and it should be done beforethe new growth emerges, usually some time duringMay.Every few years, in mid to late spring, lift up anddivide the clump. Many Perennial Grasses grow inclump form and will begin to die out in the centerwhen they need to be divided.

Pests & DiseasesOrnamental Grasses are tough plants. They aregenerally resistant to damage from insects, rodentsand diseases. Even deer seem to find themunappetizing.

Through The SeasonWith a variety of different Grasses one can enjoythe blooms or textures through the entire year.Many Grasses remain standing during the winterand can greatly enhance the winter landscapewhen they are covered in snow or frost.

Drying Ornamental GrassesGrasses should be cut in the afternoon on a drysunny day. Try to pick stems that have notcompletely opened as most will continue to openfor at least a day or two. Tie bunches together sothat air can circulate among the flower heads.Hang them upside down in a room that is cool, dry,dark and airy. Coolness keeps the sap from dryingtoo quickly and forcing flower heads to go to seed.The dry air prevents the formation of mold andmildew. Darkness prevents premature fading.

Japanese Silver Grass