When we think about grasses, most of us think about turf grasses, but there are ornamental grasses that can enhance your garden. Being as attractive in winter after their tops have dried as they are in summer, they are considered a four season plant. Keeping them in bounds is not a problem because they grow in clumps, increasing slowly over the years. Planted in groups throughout the garden, grasses provide vertical accents. In perennial beds they can be used to keep aggressive plants from encroaching on other plants.

There is no maintenance free plant but ornamental grasses come close. They grow in most garden soil, rarely need watering once established and pest and diseases rarely bother them. Most like full sun but there are a few that tolerate light shade.

You are probably familiar with the large Pampas Grass, but the Purple Fountain Grass, Maiden Grass (several varieties available), Zebra Grass, Blue Fescue and several others are also available at most nurseries. So, next time you visit a nursery, look at the ornamental grasses and find a place in your landscape for some.

Sue Adee, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service

With Spring upon us, gardening may be consuming your thoughts: Which annuals should we plant this year? What should I put in that bare spot in the back? What plant could cover the hole in the fence?

The bountiful blossoms of Spring - from azaleas, red buds and dogwoods - tend to make us think of plants that will add color to our gardens. And yes, the petunias, pansies, marigolds and other annuals and perennials are beautiful. But there's also an alternative: ornamental grasses.

The use of ornamental grasses has been increasing since the late 1980s. More and more people are seeing the beauty and benefits of these special plants. Color is something that everyone wants to have in the garden. Well, with new varieties and species, ornamental grasses aren't just green anymore. They come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from steely blue to creamy white to red, rust and golden brown - as well as greens in every shade.

Ornamental grasses also come in a wide range of heights. Some, like the "pampas" and "zebra" grasses, can grow as tall as 6 to 14 feet, making them great for screens or backdrops. Others, like :"fountain grass" and "blue oat grass," grow 2 to 5 feet tall - wonderful for hiding bare spots or plants whose leaves die back just prior or after blooming. Still others, like "Japanese forest grass," "big blue lilyturf (Liriope) " and the familiar "mondo grass" are excellent used as borders or for edging.

Most ornamental grasses grow rapidly, reaching full height in as little as three months when you start with established nursery plants. You can also grow them from seed, but will need to allow two to three years to mature. And most grasses are hardy, withstanding temperatures to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (pampas grass is an exception, hardy only to 10 degrees F.).

So the next time you're out looking for new plants for the garden, check out the grasses. They're not just for the front lawn anymore!

Susie Barney, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas AgriLife Extension Service