HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR GRASSES

SPECIMEN GRASSES SUCH AS STIPA GIGANTEA ARE better used singly, but most have more impact when planted in groups of three, five or seven. Repetition helps to anchor a planting scheme, so restrict yourself to three or four types of grasses. Alternatively, blocks of complementary miscanthus varieties create interest: pair the fluffy, bronze flower plumes of Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Fontaine’ with Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’, which has silvery, reflective foliage and flowers less profusely.

Grasses work well individually in pots, where the extra height seems to accentuate their form and they can be appreciated from all sides. Nasella tenuissima is perfect for hiding the fading leaves of alliums as they start to flower. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (right) can be used as an informal hedge, having stems that spring back up even in an exposed position. Luzula nivea works in a shady woodland planting scheme and has attractive white flowers in early summer that look good into autumn.