GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
August is a great month to admire the beauty of ornamental grasses. All the different varieties are in plum right now. Ornamental grasses are a common landscape staple, often gracing neighborhood landscapes, anchoring large garden beds, and commonly used in shopping center landscape borders.
There are so many varieties to admire right now. In addition to color variations, a pleasing design includes different plant sizes, leaf colors, and shapes. Many different size options are available from the Pampas grass, with its wide blades and fluffy, white plumes, reaching up to 10’ tall and wide, to the more dwarf varieties such as the Blue Fescue and Little Bunny. And there are some wide, beautiful varieties that grow in between the tall and the dwarf varieties.
Keep in mind that almost all ornamental grasses are very hardy and sun loving perennials. Yes, there are a few grasses that are considered to be annual grasses that people like to plant. These annual grasses are planted for one year. They will not return next spring like the hardy grasses.
The hardy, perennial ornamental grasses can be planted anytime of the year. August is a good month to plant because you can visually see what it can look like with its plumes. My advice is for you to come see us now and let’s talk about ornamental grasses.
Most ornamental grasses will turn brown for the winter. Even when brown in the winter I think it adds winter interest to the landscape as it blows in the wind. Most importantly, leaving it as is through the winter is beneficial to many of our native birds and insects. I always recommend waiting until early to mid-March before cutting the ornamental grasses back to the ground.
Come see us. We have a good selection of ornamental grasses at this time.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are looking for ornamental grasses. But Meadows Farms doesn’t have any on display or too purchase at their garden stores In Winchester or Charlestown WV.
Keith,
Good Morning. Well… I am a little surprised that neither store has ornamental grasses right now. Ornamental grasses are in their glory right now. We pride ourselves with our wide selection of varieties of ornamental grasses. I don’t see a way that I can help you other than to give you an invitation to come see us. We would love the opportunity to show your our vast selection of ornamental grasses. Doug
I have an ornamental grass in a container, but would like to transplant it to an in-ground location. Would it be better to wait until the spring to plant it or should I plant it during the fall? Thank you.
Jane,
Good Morning. Ornamental grasses are very tough plants. If you are ready to pull it up out of your container and actually plant it in the ground then now or anytime this fall is a great time for this project. Let me know if you have any further questions. Doug