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

8 Front Yard Landscaping Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Home's Curb Appeal

8 Front Yard Landscaping Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Home's Curb Appeal

Enhance your home's curb appeal by avoiding these front yard landscaping mistakes. Get expert advice on creating a visually appealing and welcoming front yard.
How to Make a Rock Garden

How to Make a Rock Garden

Learn how to build a rock garden with these tips. Find out how to choose a rock garden style, the best types of rocks to use, and how to design your garden.
24 Pink Flowers to Add Dainty or Bold Beauty to Your Garden

24 Pink Flowers to Add Dainty or Bold Beauty to Your Garden

Make a statement with our favorite pink flowers in every hue from the palest blush to the brightest magenta.
Are Mums Perennials That Will Come Back in Spring?

Are Mums Perennials That Will Come Back in Spring?

Mums in containers or garden beds can survive winter with these tips.
10 Best Types of Ornamental Grass That Are Native

10 Best Types of Ornamental Grass That Are Native

Create a gorgeous, low-maintenance landscape with these North American beauties that also support wildlife.
What Is an Arborist, and When Do You Need One?

What Is an Arborist, and When Do You Need One?

Find out what an arborist is and how to select the best arborist for your tree care needs.
This Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan Has Fuss-Free Plants

This Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan Has Fuss-Free Plants

A fuss-free perennial garden plan doesn't have to be boring. Keep the color coming all season long with this easy-care design.
This Bold Woodland Garden Plan Brims with Color and Texture

This Bold Woodland Garden Plan Brims with Color and Texture

Filled with easy-care plants, this bold woodland garden plan design is perfect for livening up a spot under a tree's canopy.
36 Container Garden Ideas to Inspire Your Own Pretty Plantings

36 Container Garden Ideas to Inspire Your Own Pretty Plantings

Use these container garden ideas to create the best-designed planter for your patio, window box, or other container planting.
How to Harvest Cilantro Leaves and Coriander Seeds

How to Harvest Cilantro Leaves and Coriander Seeds

Learn how to harvest cilantro from your herb gardens with these simple tips.
12 Tips for Growing Lettuce in Containers from Seed to Salad

12 Tips for Growing Lettuce in Containers from Seed to Salad

Take the guesswork out of growing lettuce in containers with these must-know tips, such as the best types of lettuce for pots, the right containers to use, and how often to fertilize.
4 Simple Steps for Growing Lavender in Pots

4 Simple Steps for Growing Lavender in Pots

Add fragrance and beauty to a sunny spot by growing lavender in pots. Use these planting steps and care tips to successfully grow lavender in containers.
Achieve the Perfect Blueberry Soil pH with These 9 Simple Tips

Achieve the Perfect Blueberry Soil pH with These 9 Simple Tips

Learn how to ensure your blueberry soil pH levels are just right for these acid-loving berries.
What Is an Olla Pot? Plus 10 Tips for Efficiently Watering Plants with It

What Is an Olla Pot? Plus 10 Tips for Efficiently Watering Plants with It

Olla pots simplify plant watering and reduce water waste. Here's how to make a DIY olla pot and 10 tips for using it for efficient watering.
What You Need to Know About Winterizing a Lawn

What You Need to Know About Winterizing a Lawn

Get a jumpstart on a lush, healthy lawn next spring with this guide on winterizing a lawn. Plus, get your lawn mower ready for winter storage.
How to Get Rid of Groundhogs in Lawns and Gardens

How to Get Rid of Groundhogs in Lawns and Gardens

Groundhogs do a lot of damage to gardens. Use these tips to prevent and get rid of groundhogs in a safe, humane way.
How to Identify and Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms

How to Identify and Get Rid of Tomato Hornworms

These very hungry caterpillars can quickly destroy your tomato crop. Find out how to recognize and control tomato hornworms.
How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants

How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles on Your Plants

Have you noticed little bugs on cucumber plants in your garden? Find out how to identify a cucumber beetle and prevent these insects from killing your cucumber, melon, squash, and other crops.
Keyhole Gardening Will Super-Charge Your Raised Beds

Keyhole Gardening Will Super-Charge Your Raised Beds

Keyhole garden beds offer easy access to produce, provide plants with nutrient-rich compost, and use less water. Learn how to create a keyhole garden.
16 Award-Winning Landscape Plants for Georgia Gardens

16 Award-Winning Landscape Plants for Georgia Gardens

Take the guesswork out of choosing landscape plants for your Georgia garden. Peruse these proven performers for all the planting inspiration you need.