Let's talk about grasses

Do you like ornamental grasses? Not everyone does. But my guess is that if you don't like grasses it's because you have not used them in the right way.

There are grasses of all different shapes and sizes. Some like the tall Miscanthus to BLOCK views and provide screening, others just a few inches high to add texture amongst perennial foliage. Some should be planted in groups, and others just a single specimen.

I hope that the next few photos inspire you to add a few to your garden. I always aim to position them to catch either the low morning sun, or the low evening sun, when they become magical for just few minutes.

Stipa Gigantea just emerging. It will stand about 4-5 feet tall until next February, when I cut the seedheads down.
It is however an EVERGREEN grass, so the basal foliage provides year round interest

Stipa Gigantea back lit by the evening sun. Allium Purple Sensation beyond

Shorter Allium Christophii open later than Purple Sensation with larger pink flower heads like fireworks.
They are planted amongst Stipa Tennuissima (or Tenufolia) which move in the breeze catching the light

Allium Christophii with Stipa Tennuissima

Pink Osteopsernum have closed their flower heads for the day, but backlit Molinia Transparent Grasses
look fabulous. They will grow a bit taller and form tiny pink panicle seedheads, which twinkle in the sunlight

Carex Muskinumensis grass. Grows to around 60 cm and is also useful
for under planting around shrub bases.

Golden Milium Effuseum Aureum (Bowles Golden Grass)
It seeds around, but so pretty!