Gardens > Down to Earth: Create A Garden Landscape With Ornamental Grasses

Down to Earth: Create A Garden Landscape With Ornamental Grasses

Down to Earth is a weekly garden column in The Sandwich Enterprise written by Heritage’s Director of Horticulture, Les Lutz. For the full article with images please visit The Sandwich Enterprise here.

^{Echinacea Hot Papaya in the foreground with Lobelia cardinalis and switchgrass, Panicum virgatum Cape Breeze}

Mid-August is here, and I’m reminded that this can be a challenging time for flowering in the garden. But maybe this is also a time to think about plants that aren’t necessarily grown for (or known for) flowering. I’m thinking of what are commonly referred to as ornamental grasses. Take a walk around the new parking garden at Heritage Museums & Gardens, and you’ll see some amazing—and very reliable—ornamental grasses that would be great in every garden.

Ornamental grasses begin to shine this time of year—especially those native to North America. Beginning in late July and continuing through the fall and into winter, ornamental grasses are doing their thing and creating amazing landscapes. Flower plumes are appearing and, as the season progresses, the colors will grow more intense. These grasses, combined with some herbaceous plants, provide a show from now until fall. Read More at The Sandwich Enterprise.