How Does Your Grass Grow?

This issue our gardening expert Conrad McCormick focuses on ornamental grasses.

- Conrad McCormick

There is so much more to ornamental grasses than that '70 stalwart of suburbia, the pampas grass with its stiffly erect silver plumes and razor-sharp leaf edges, ready to shred anyone who carelessly ventures too close when weeding.

Over the last couple of decades grasses have gained popularity as the new perennial movement has taken off. There are grasses to suit all gardens, from romantic cottage gardens, through contemporary and meadows to jungly exotic styles.

Grasses act as glue in borders, linking disparate groups of plants whose clashing flower colours, if positioned side by side, would make for an unwelcome combination. Many have see-through, wispy growth that can provide separation between areas in the garden without the bulk of a hedge or large shrubs. They also provide a calming influence and constant movement as they sway in even the gentlest breeze. Their relaxed, naturalistic form, endless variety of colour and texture have made them a must-have part of the contemporary garden designer's plant arsenal.

Grasses also suit today's environmentally conscious, low-maintenance gardening style as they need no chemical sprays, staking, or constant dead-heading.

As summer slides into autumn the light takes on a distinctive, soft quality while its low angle creates a dazzling display of texture and colour as it illuminates their golden or pinkish flowering plumes, creating a stunning light show.

Many also provide great winter structure, their stems holding up well over the colder months. However, not all do, with some collapsing in late autumn, so it pays to check before buying if you're after something that'll withstand the ravages of a wet and windy Irish winter.

PLANTING AND PRUNING