Another lawnmower has gone silent. It’s not because of starting problems but because the proud homeowner has simply had enough. They have become so frustrated on a couple counts.
Firstly, masked marauders have convinced the homeowner to just give it up. With the abundance of rain this summer, wildlife are on the hunt for white grubs that live just below the surface in lawns.
Grubs are a delectable treat that raccoons can’t resist. These beetle larvae munch on the roots of grass. Wildlife destructively mine for grubs by digging up the turf. Ironically, if not devoured, they will cause grass to wilt and turn brown.
Secondly, many gardeners are simply tired of all the mowing and hand weeding. The solution is to dig up the lawn and plant ornamental grass.
Ornamental grasses have been used in Europe since the 1700s. To mixed reviews, Canadian horticultural designers slowly began introducing them in the 1970s.
The term ornamental grass includes true grasses (Gramineae), sedges (Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncaceae), hardy bamboos (Phyllostachys), and others. Most grasses are perennial. They grow from the crown year after year and are relatively easy to grow from seed.
Many perennial grasses form entangled root masses that can be arduous to separate.
Grasses require three to five hours of direct sunlight. Often, these grasses will not bloom in the shade. Their performance will be lackluster and tend to flop over.
The majority of grasses will benefit from mulching. Mulching preserves soil moisture and holds undesirable weeds at bay. It also can be an effective way of defining the growing area of the grass.
Gardeners have found that grasses give a garden four seasons of interest without hours of raking, thatching, reseeding, fertilizing, mowing and weeding.
The ornamental varieties are virtually low-maintenance. It will be only necessary to remove old foliage and flower heads in the spring before active growth emerges.
Like many other perennials, grasses benefit from cutting back. As some of the grasses are rather dense, the use of large garden shears will be necessary.
Unlike most annuals and some perennials, colour is not the only element to consider when selecting a particular design or format. The beauty of grasses is that each one has a different visual impact. They come in varied heights, textures, designs and growth patterns. Some grow straight up while others create swaying arches. Others have a unique form by adding waving grace to the garden.
When combined in mass plantings, the results can be absolutely stunning. Another showstopper is when an entire area is mass planted with one particular grass.
Grasses will grow in poorer soils far better than many other plants.
Seed heads and foliage add fall and winter interest. They can be used as groundcovers, specimen plants, for erosion control, and as vertical design elements. Once roots are established, the grass will require little attention.
Insects are rarely an issue, although some wildlife will nibble on new growth in the spring. But as the season progresses the plant recovers.
When the regular gardening season is over, grasses continue to present a strong showing of fall colour in their foliage and flower heads. During long winters grasses add movement, sound, texture and colour.
A planting of feather reed grass Karl Foerster (Calamagrostis) is an excellent choice to screen off an area. Blue hair (Koeleria) and fescue make decorative edging grass.
Golden wood millet (Milium) and wood rush (Luzula) can be used as a ground cover.
Choose a tall, arching grass like pheasant tail (Anamanthele), fountain grass (Pennisetum) or Mexican feather (Stipa) for the focal point.
A tropical grass that adds much drama to any landscape is giant Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus Giganteus). It remains upright throughout the winter. This gigantic grass is particularly effective when used as a screening.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society
