We now have an area of ornamental grasses that were planted over the last 2 years. This garden shows what our grasses will look like as they mature outside.
It will help you understand the height and spread of each variety as well as the textures and colors. It’s a great place to start to imagine what your yard can look like with grasses.
Today we had the pleasure of giving a greenhouse tour to a great group, the Master Gardeners of Thurston County. It was a gorgeous day for talking ornamental grasses, ground covers, and native plants.
David showed the new grasses of 2017 and how to care for them.
After a little show and tell, we continued by taking a tour of the 14 greenhouses. There was an exchange of ideas and knowledge.
We look forward to doing this again next year!
When planning to create a beautiful ornamental grass garden there are 5 basic factors to consider.
1. Sun: Most ornamental grasses grow well in full sun, and will perform best when placed in the sunlight. Some varieties, though, will do well in partial shade or full shade. Knowing how much sun your intended garden plot will receive, will help decide what plants to choose.
2. Soil: Ornamental grasses will only really require ordinary soil, one that is reasonably fertile and well drained. Some grasses grow better in wet soil where as others are more drought tolerant. Understanding the soil in your garden will greatly help your plants to grow to their full potential.
3. Irrigation: In areas with constant rainfall, bedded plants will not need watering except during periods of drought. Grasses native to an area, such as Washington State or climates with continual rainfall, will need less watering once established in a garden unless this is a serious drought.
4. Winter: Selecting ornamental grasses that keep their foliage through the winter adds color and texture to the garden even during the cold winter months.
5. Spacing: Ornamental grasses should be given plenty of room to grow. It is typically recommended to leave 3'-5' per 1 gallon pot. When the plants mature and fill out the garden will be beautiful.
If you have a plant needing identified, email a photo and we will do our best to identify it for you.
1. Beauty: Beautiful foliage of various colors, at different times of the year.
2. Low Maintenance: Most need an annual prune.
3. Versatility: Great in mass plantings, or as a specimen plant. Full sun and shade.
4. Diversity: From 3” to 10’, they can be used in all parts of the garden
5. Drought Tolerant Most are low water users (once established).
6. Pest Resistance: Most are pest resistant including deer.
7. Habitat: For birds, who enjoy the seeds.
8. Movement: Swaying foliage/ flowers gives movement to your landscape.
9. Long Living: Long living and easy to grow.
10. Very, Very Green: stabilize slopes, roots regenerate every several years.
