Ornamental grasses are becoming more endearing especially as water restrictions and drought-prone areas press their case against our gardens. It wasn't that long ago that many gardeners would steer clear of these 'weedy' grasses and opt for flowers and ornamental perennials.

But, times are changing and what was once determined as unworthy for the home garden is rapidly becoming a popular import. Gardeners are replacing their non-indigenous botanicals for native grasses and enjoying the benefits of low-maintenance weed-suppressing plants. And, we're not limited by variety or colour, shape or texture as many of our predecessors have been.

Ornamental grasses have copped some bad publicity over the years, and it's not entirely unjustified. In some states of Australia and the US, several species reside on the noxious weed lists and have been banned from being grown in home gardens.

The reason: they are incredible propagators.

This is both an advantage as much as it is a disadvantage. If you consider that most of our cereal grains; barley, wheat, oats, rice and corn are all members of the grass (Poaceae) family you can quickly understand that if they weren't great producers of seed we would be very hungry people.

Types of Ornamental Grass

How to Grow Ornamental Grasses

Most ornamental grasses reside in full sun, having spent most of their existence in savannas, tundras and coastal plains. Understanding their origins help explain the types of soil they prefer, opting for sandy soils over loams and clay.

They don't need copious amounts of rainfall or watering to exist and can easily survive extended periods of drought. This is why they do so well in xeriscape gardens and those created to be drought-tolerant.

It's best not to grow grasses with high water-dependent plants as either the grass will struggle with excessive moisture or the water needy will suffer from not enough. Group ornamental grasses with succulents, cacti and grey-foliage plants for their best rate of survival.

Propagating Ornamental Grasses

This is by far one of the easiest plant families to propagate after succulents. The most effective method is via collecting seed and distributing in situ. Some, like the Japanese Blood Grass, can be divided and propagated this way which can be just as successful but takes more effort.

The problem with grasses is not their ability to propagate but that they are so successful at it. You may find yourself weeding more often if you don't want them to spread beyond their boundaries.

Sources: Santa Rosa Gardens, University of Illinois Extension.

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Would a 'dry' garden have a water feature in it?

The gardening buzz at the moment, certainly not in the blogosphere but definitely here in Australia, is all about 'xeriscape' (commonly termed 'waterwise') gardening. It's the idea that people actually plant purposefully understanding that the garden will get no more water on it apart from what it recieves from the annual rainfall.

Fortunately, I live in Busselton which rests on the Yarrigidee artesian water basin, a water source that is often the envy of city dwellers and others in remote locations. The only reason I watch what I use is because it forces the credit card payments into overdrive. It's not really an issue for us and we mock and scorn as the city-dwellers whinge over water restrictions and that their plants are wilting.

If I lived in a region where water was scarce I would definitely find alternative ways to plan and implement my garden. The main component of that garden would be choosing the correct plants. Your choice in your plant selections will either determine your future xeriscape success or consign it to the failures list.

Continue reading "Xeriscape plants" »

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