WHY PLANT ORNAMENTAL GRASSES?
Grasses can be used in the landscape just like perennials, but their usefulness extends far beyond that of a normal perennial. Grasses are useful for erosion control, space barriers, wildlife shelters, winter interest, as a background to flowering plants, and as architectural features, to name a few. Grasses add the dimensions of sound and movement to the garden as wind catches and rustles the leaves. The dried stalks of many grasses remain upright for winter interest. The wide variety of colors, sizes and growth habits of grasses assures that one will fit almost any garden. Grass-Like Plants: Often included in books with grasses are grass-like plants such as sedges (Carex), rushes and Liriope. Many of these plants perform the same function in the landscape as ornamental grasses. Some have slightly different maintenance requirements. BAMBOOS Bamboos are also grasses; they are made stiff by the presence of silica in their stems. Often overlooked by homeowners, bamboos are a nice evergre
