Create a Lush Corner of Ornamental Grasses with This Simple Garden Plan

2015-06-09
Create a Lush Corner of Ornamental Grasses with This Simple Garden Plan

If you have yet to try an ornamental grass garden layout, or you think one type of ornamental grass looks much like any other grass, this corner of grasses garden plan will show you just how majestic and varied they can be. They're also super low-maintenance, so you can plant them and pretty much forget them.

The lush fountains of foliage are lovely in spring and summer, but ornamental grasses are nothing short of spectacular in fall, when their feathery seed heads sway in the breeze. The buff-colored plumes endure into winter, too, keeping the garden attractive when all else has gone dormant.

Plants for the Corner of Grasses Garden Plan

This garden plan combines several types of ornamental grasses for a pleasing mix of textures, colors, and heights. For contrast, this design also includes a few flowering perennials, which also require very little care and will thrive in a full sun spot.

If you can't find the exact cultivars listed above, substitute with another plant type with similar colors, shapes, and sizes.

Some plants can become overly aggressive and spread out of control in certain climates, so check which species are considered invasive before going ahead with your ornamental grass garden layout. For example, Miscanthus can become weedy in some areas, but this is usually less problematic when planting certain cultivars, such as 'Graziella' that's listed in this plan.

Get the Free Corner of Grasses Garden Plan

This garden design includes an illustrated version of the planted garden, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should you plant ornamental grasses?

    Ornamental grasses provide texture, height, and color that complement almost any type of garden. Many of these grasses are perennials that come back every year and don't require much care.

  • When should you cut back ornamental grasses?

    You should cut back ornamental grass in late winter or early spring. This will allow you to enjoy the seed heads during winter before cutting back to make way for new growth.

  • Do ornamental grasses stay green all year?

    Some varieties of ornamental grasses, like sedge, are evergreen and remain green all year. Others will go dormant during the winter months and typically turn brown. It depends on the type of grass and your climate.

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Coleus Plants for Their Gorgeous Leaves

How to Plant and Grow Coleus Plants for Their Gorgeous Leaves

These coleus plant care tips will give you plenty of stunning foliage to enjoy in both sun or shade.
How and When to Cut Back Mums for the Best Blooms

How and When to Cut Back Mums for the Best Blooms

Use these tips to pinch and cut back mums at the right times to get the most flowers.
Are Pansies Perennials That Will Come Back After Winter?

Are Pansies Perennials That Will Come Back After Winter?

Grow pansies as perennials or annuals to provide color during cool spring and fall weather. Plus get tips on when to plant pansies and how to grow them from seed.
How to Plant and Grow Cup Plant

How to Plant and Grow Cup Plant

Follow this easy guide to plant and grow cup plant, a tall North American native perennial that attracts birds and pollinators.
How to Plant and Grow Milkweed

How to Plant and Grow Milkweed

The main food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars, milkweed also attracts lots of other pollinators. Learn how to grow this pretty native plant, deal with pests, choose the best types of milkweed, and what companion plants to grow with it.
How to Plant and Grow Bush Honeysuckle

How to Plant and Grow Bush Honeysuckle

Also called diervilla, bush honeysuckle is an easy-care native shrub that attracts pollinators with cheerful yellow flowers.
How to Plant and Grow Florida Anise

How to Plant and Grow Florida Anise

Florida anise is a Southeastern native shrub that is gaining popularity for good reason; it’s an easy-to-grow, shade-loving shrub with year-round garden interest.
10 Stunning Types of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs for Your Landscape

10 Stunning Types of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs for Your Landscape

There is a type of magnolia tree or shrub for every landscape. Use this guide to choose the best magnolia for your garden.
How to Plant and Grow Cranberry Hibiscus

How to Plant and Grow Cranberry Hibiscus

The burgundy foliage of cranberry hibiscus is welcome in areas with full sun and plenty of heat. This guide includes planting and care tips to grow cranberry hibiscus in your garden.
Expert Tips for Growing and Designing With Beautiful Boxwood

Expert Tips for Growing and Designing With Beautiful Boxwood

With our boxwood garden ideas, you'll create durable changes to your landscaping. Boxwoods, a type of evergreen, are an elegant addition to a formal garden. Learn how to care for boxwood, so that your boxwood garden thrives.
19 Rabbit and Deer-Resistant Container Plants for Your Garden

19 Rabbit and Deer-Resistant Container Plants for Your Garden

These rabbit and deer-resistant container plants don’t usually attract furry four-legged creatures for a snack or meal.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Peas at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Peas at Their Peak

How and when to harvest peas depends on the type. Find out how to time your harvest right for each type of pea, and get tips for plucking pods without damaging the plant.
Is Your Outdoor Plant Dead or Dormant? 5 Easy Ways to Tell

Is Your Outdoor Plant Dead or Dormant? 5 Easy Ways to Tell

Not sure if a garden plant is dead or dormant after the winter? These tips well help you tell the difference.
Liquid vs. Granular Fertilizer: Which One Is Better for Your Plants?

Liquid vs. Granular Fertilizer: Which One Is Better for Your Plants?

Take the mystery out of feeding your plants by learning the pros and cons of liquid vs. granular fertilizer. Find out how and when to best apply both types of fertilizers.
How to Prevent Powdery Mildew on Squash Plants for a Healthy Crop

How to Prevent Powdery Mildew on Squash Plants for a Healthy Crop

Learn what you can do to protect powdery mildew on squash plants and stop an infection before it gets out of hand.
How to Get Rid of Weeds in Flower Beds—and Stave Off New Ones

How to Get Rid of Weeds in Flower Beds—and Stave Off New Ones

Unwanted plants among your treasured blooms can ruin the whole effect. But with the right tools and techniques, you can eliminate the invaders.
4 Grass Alternatives for Yards with Major Curb Appeal

4 Grass Alternatives for Yards with Major Curb Appeal

Gravel, artificial turf, groundcover plants, and large planting beds are traditional grass lawn alternatives. Pick one for your yard from our list.
How to Use a Weed Whacker to Fly Through Your Landscaping Chores

How to Use a Weed Whacker to Fly Through Your Landscaping Chores

This guide will help you use a weed whacker efficiently and safely to accomplish weed removal, edging, trimming, and other landscaping tasks
How to Plant and Grow Horsetail

How to Plant and Grow Horsetail

Horsetail is a water-loving plant that looks stunning almost anywhere—as long as you take measures to control it.