Six reasons to grow grasses
Softening
When weaved into your borders or do ed about in pots, ornamental grasses soften highimpact flowering plants, which would otherwise be chaotic and jarring to look at with their many bright colours. Their calming, muted colours and fluffy form make for a pleasing contrast to other boldly shaped flowers and leaves. They’re arguably the best filler plant around.
Easy ground cover
The low-maintenance credentials of grasses can’t be underestimated. They’re largely drought-tolerant, don’t really pick up any pests and diseases and need li le care except for a prune and a tidy occasionally. They can be planted en masse to cover small or large areas, and can look just as striking as a flower border. They bring easy permanence to pots and borders, and give much more than they take!
Sensory planting
One of the best things about grasses is their ability to appeal to most of our senses. They’re very tactile and simply cry out to be touched! I defy you to not endlessly run your fingers through them. They’re calming to watch, and when a light breeze ambles through them the sounds they make soothe brilliantly.
Long-lasting interest
Grasses are effectively a year-round plant, providing impact and interest whenever you need it. Some grasses, during their annual haircut in early spring, are somewhat lacking but they soon bounce back. Green and lively in summer, with flowers to marvel at, they then fade and crisp up but look their very best in autumn and winter when your garden needs it.
Fantastic form
If you want architectural plants to draw the eye, you can’t go wrong with all different types of grasses – large ones as specimens in pots, drooping stems, upright stems or fancy flowers. They make easy statement pieces, whatever the size of your garden.
Fabulous flowers
People don’t often think of grasses as flowering plants, but they have some of the very best for shape and interest. From li le furry blobs to silken tassels or hairy curls, they’re a wonder of summer. Enjoy their beauty in the sunshine and run your fingers through them!