When we think of ornamental grasses, visions of sun-kissed meadows and sky-blue prairies come to mind. But some grasses and grassy look-alikes hail from shadier parts, and in the wild, they’re found along woodland streams, on cool mountainsides or on moody moors. With their grassy blades, airy plumes and sometimes variegated or golden foliage, they offer a variety of textures … [Read more...] about 5 ornamental grasses for shade
ornamental grass
Ornamental grasses in bloom
I’m glad to have both roses and ornamental grasses in the front garden, where they continue to bloom and prolong the seasonal display. It never occurred to me that they would possibly be most appreciated in autumn, when so many other perennials and shrubs are finished blooming. The one rose shrub is fluorescent red Double Knock Out, back in bloom now that the Japanese beetles … [Read more...] about Ornamental grasses in bloom
Ornamental grass bomb
We’re down to the last week or two before the ground freezes, and there’s one job I’ve saved for last, because it’s the most frustrating. Several years ago I planted three small pots of silver feather grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’, Zone 5) in front of a cedar hedge. The five-foot (1.5-m) silvery plumes were beautiful against the dark green conifers, and stood out … [Read more...] about Ornamental grass bomb
