There are a plethora of ornamental grasses with new varieties always
being added to the market and being widely available. Many have a strikingly
oriental appearance and lend themselves well to landscapes of eastern
influence or those wanting to achieve a tranquil aesthetic. Particularly
common is the use of water-tolerant (or non-prairie) ornamental grasses
around pond settings, which off-sets the water feature beautifully.
Another consideration with ornamental grasses is that many have flowers,
that is, long-stemmed plumes of soft-feather like plumes which give off
a shimmer when they move. This looks gorgeous when the wind blows and
if set beside a water feature looks even better when reflected in the
water!!
One vital consideration when selecting a type of ornamental grass is
the method it uses to grow. Does it grow from a clump or does it spread
underground via its stems. If the answer is the latter or rhizomatous
then it will be more likely to hold onto top soil making it the ideal
erosion preventer. It should also become quite dense once established
hopefully precluding the growth of weeds.
Grasses respond and start to grow based upon temperature. Some grasses
will start to grow in early spring when temperatures are still cool and
others will wait until the soil is warm and temperatures are more stable.
Not only are they popular for their appearance, but ornamental grasses
have a number of practical benefits, namely that they are inexpensive,
hardy and very low maintenance.
On the whole the grasses are fairly well
drought resistant and can also tolerate periods of considerable
down-fall, not being as susceptible as other plants to root-rot. In terms
of their optimal temperature, grasses are diverse enough that there are
species for both cold and temperate climates, although generally they
show a preference for the warmer conditions. It is important to consider
your location and the conditions that the grass will have in your garden
when selecting the particular grass you will use. In generally ornamental
grasses can grow anywhere from 30 centimetres through to
3 meters in height. There is no limitation to their use with many used
as screens, hedges and features.
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