Grasses should definitely not be missing in a beautiful garden. The banks of ponds, cozy seating areas or versatile perennial beds can be given a special charm with ornamental grasses. But before you start the actual system you are spoiled for choice, because finding the right one from the wide range on offer is not easy.
How to create an ornamental grass garden?
To create an ornamental grass garden, you should combine grasses with similar location requirements, placing tall grasses in the background and medium-high ones in the foreground. Ideal companions are flowering perennials such as coneflowers, phlox or columbine.
The effect of grasses in the garden
Grasses in the garden have a loosening effect and give lightness. They don't really come into their own in the bed alone, but with suitable companions, the perennial bed becomes the centerpiece of the garden. Medium-sized grasses can be combined very well with flowering perennials. For example with
- Coneflower
- Phlox
- Sedum
- Asters
- Columbine
Low grasses can be used as ground cover, the very tall specimens, such as pampas grass, look more impressive than solitary perennials. In any case, when planting companions, care must be taken to plant plants together who have similar location requirements. For example, the sun-loving riding grass should be combined with magnificent candles, which also prefer a sunny and dry location. In contrast, the forest cornices are planted with hostas; both plants need a shady place to thrive.
Ornamental grasses as solitary perennials
The large grasses take up a lot of space in the garden and should therefore ideally stand alone. This allows them to unfold well and is an excellent eye-catcher. They are also well suited as privacy and wind protection for seats.
Examples of tall and spreading grasses are:
- the tall pipe grass
- the Miscanthus
- the pampas grass
- the elephant grass
- the bamboo (also a grass!)
Create a grass garden
If you want to create a grass garden in autumn, you shouldn't mix too many different grasses. The bed would later appear restless and disordered. It is best to plant larger varieties in the background of the bed as a privacy screen. In the foreground, the medium-tall grass species look very good. With suitable companions, they can make a pretty and versatile bed. Grasses are also perfect for ponds. Overhanging grass fescues create a visual connection between the bank and the water. They are reflected in the water surface and thus soften the hard boundary lines.
You can find out how you can combine your pampas grass here.
