#8: Manicure your grasses. If you prefer a tidier look, it’s okay to trim stray stems and broken inflorescences. Miller suggests giving grasses visible spacing too, so you can see the ground on either side. “The more manicured you keep your grasses,” explains Miller, “the more intentional they will look.” #9: Understand that not every grass is low water. Some ornamental grasses are very drought tolerant. Others prefer moist soils. To find
grasses that fit your conditions, search for grasses by irrigation level on
Miller creates a “river” with blue-hued grasses offset by contrasting plants. check out low-water ornamental grasses Photo credit: Jennifer Miller/Denver Botanic Gardens. from Utah State University Extension.
Conservation Garden Park’s website, or
#10: Take photos of beautiful landscapes with ornamental grasses. Visit places like Red Butte Garden, Conservation Garden Park and Denver Botanic Gardens for inspiration. Miller advises that you don’t have to use the exact plants you see. You can choose plants with a similar appearance. For example, if you’re committed to native plants, you could seek out natives that have a similar look and share comparable growing conditions. “There’s so much versatility in ornamental grasses,” shares Miller. “They work in so many styles—from the modern to the meadow. The only limitation is your
imagination.”
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