Ornamental Grasses (all grasses shown here are among those sold by Woodland Gardens)

As the National Gardening Association wrote: "Ornamental grasses add grace and motion to the garden with straplike foliage that sways in the gentlest breeze. The fluffy flowers and seed heads on many varieties last throughout the winter, attracting birds and adding winter interest to the garden. The term ornamental grasses encompasses many species with different textures, sizes, colors, and flower forms...Plants grow 1' to 9' tall, depending on the variety, and can be used as ground covers, in containers, in borders, or to screen a fence or view." They are very easy to grow, provide four-season interest, and have unusual foliage. They generally prefer full sun and many are drought tolerant. They are fascinating and add a visual statement to any yard. There are both cool-season grasses (fescues and Blue Oat Grass) and warm-season grasses. The name says it all. Cool-season grasses look best in cool weather; the others are best in hot, even dry weather. The latter include the Miscanthus sinensis varieties, perennial Fountain Grass (Pennisetum), Switch Grass (Panicum), and Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis). For information about caring for grasses, check here. (Unless otherwise noted, all photos below are from Walters Gardens)

Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus', a very popular, easy to grow form of the Miscanthus grasses. Can grow to 7 feet tall. Note the green and white stripes. Produces big plumes in early fall, which become fluffy in winter. Very easy to grow.	Miscanthus 'Purpurascens' turns gorgeous reddish orange in fall (so, also known as "Flame Grass"). Seed heads in late summer have magenta hues that become silky white plumes in winter. Not drought-tolerant; doesn't like extreme heat. Would be happier with extra watering and partial shade. Grows 4-6' tall, spreads 2' wide.	Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Zebra', a shorter form of M. 'Zebrinus,' a variegated grass distinctive for its horizontal bands of yellow. Grows 3 to 4 feet tall. Forms reddish purple plumes in the fall, which become creamy tan in winter.

On the left, Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal.'On the right, Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah.' Panicum is commonly referred to as "Switch Grass." Its name refers to the sound made when blowing in the wind. Very easy to grow, drought tolerant, likes full sun, tolerant of all soils. 'Heavy Metal' has pinkish plumes in the fall and grows 5-6' tall. 'Shenandoah' has red-toned foliage, burgundy seed heads in late summer, and burgundy fall color. It grows about 4' tall and is a "Great Plant Pick."

Erianthus ravennae, known as Hardy Pampas Grass, is a great specimen grass. Grows 9-12' tall and spreads 6-8' wide. anicles fade to white in fall. Leaves are gray green, changing to orange, tan and purple in fall. Most cold hardy and tough of the Erianthus genus. Grow in full sun.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (on left). A perennial Pennisetum. Shorter and more compact than most Pennisetums. Grows 2-3 feet tall; spreads 1-2 feet. Prefers rich soil with good drainage and full sun, but will tolerate other soils if kept frequently moist. Does not like wet feet. On the right, Pennistum setaceum 'Rubrum', an annual fountain grass with distinctive reddish coloring.

Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (left). Won Perennial Plant of Year award in 2001. Wheat-like seed heads from late spring on. Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Avalanche' (right). Has deep green leaves with wide white stripe. Both varieties grow upright, in a clump. Prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Keep watered in very hot weather. Grow 4-5 feet tall, 2 feet wide.

Blue Fescue, a cool-season grass. Afternoon shade recommended. Powdery blue, spiky foliage, 8-10 inches high and wide. White-like seed heads produced in early summer.

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' is a different sort of ornamental grass. Also called "Japanese Forest Grass," it has been named the 2008 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association (see the Perennials section for other award winners). It grows only 1-2 feet and spreads 2-3 feet. It is best in shaded, woody environments in rich and loamy soil. Full hot sun tends to scorch its leaves. It is a slow grower and rarely needs to be divided. It dies all the way to the ground in the winter.