The appeal of grasses in the garden is very different from that offered by flowering plants.  Ornamental grasses offer beauty and year round interest by the use of line, form, texture, movement and translucency.  One large plant can provide an accent point in your garden or a mixture of different grasses can be a garden focal point..  Grasses  are beautiful intermixed with your perennials.  Mix it up, bring together different textures, colors, foliage shape to add interest.  A row of grasses can draw your eyes down a sight line.  There are even small grasses useful as path edgings or rock garden plants.  The only problem with buying container grasses is that they rarely look good growing in pots.  It is only when they are planted in your garden and allowed to establish that they will recognize their full potential for beauty. 

Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama Grass The small size of Blue Grama extends the range of choices in a garden design. It can be used at the front of a border, as a specimen, in the rock garden and with its very thin leaves and the fact that it can be mowed, Bouteloua gracilis can be used as a low-maintenance lawn substitute alone or combined with Buchloe dactyloides (Buffalo grass).  It holds the flowers well above the foliage, making a wonderful display of the extremely decorative seedheads in the late summer and fall.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Avalanche'  Variegated Feather Reed Grass A beautiful ornamental always in motion. A stunning variegated form of 'Karl Foerster'.  This selection has deep green leaves with a wide white stripe down the center. The variegation remains distinctively appealing throughout the growing season. This is the perfect plant to use as a screen or backdrop in your garden due to its distinctly upright and clumping habit.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass This reed grass is a vertical masterpiece and provides wonderful contrast amongst low shrubs and perennials. Often used in naturalized areas, its ultimate size is directly related to the amount of moisture. Even though Calamagrostis can grow in fresh-water bogs, it also does well in drier areas.  One of the first grasses to start growing in the spring, C. 'Karl Foerster' is an early bloomer, which is an asset in areas with a short growing season. The blossoms change color through the season and remain on the plant until winter snow brings them down.

Calamagrostis brachytricha Korean Feather Reed Grass This medium green clumping grass is a rather tidy plant. In late August/September, 150 plus 4' tall refined looking pink plumes top established clumps. The pink color gives way to a bronze tone that remains through the fall.

Carex elata ‘Bowles Golden’ Sedge This Sedge makes a 30-in. fountain of foliage that is bright chartreuse in shade and almost brassy where it receives a few hours of direct sun. It’s a striking contrast for plants with bold or dark colors. On its own among quiet ground covers, it makes a sculptural specimen. It will grow happily with its feet at the edge of a pond or stream, but it is equally at home in any reasonably moist garden soil.

Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Variegated Japanese Sedge  A dense, clump-forming sedge rising to 10" tall and to 20" wide which is grown for its foliage effect. Features grass-like, arching, variegated leaves, which are creamy yellow with dark green borders. Forms drooping clumps. Easily grown in medium wet-to-wet soil in part shade. Foliage color richer in shade than in sun. Tends to languish in full shade. Soil must not be allowed to dry out, however.

Deschampsia caespitosa ‘Northern Lights’ Variegated Tufted Hair Grass A delightful and unique ornamental Northern Lights Grass--each narrow blade is variegated with gold. In spring, new leaves are tipped in pink then fade to creamy white. Graceful plants 12" high and 12-15" wide are perfect for smaller landscape areas or containers. Also lovely when planted in groups of three or more.

Elymus arenarius ‘Blue Dune’ Blue Lyme Grass This is a very tough plant that is much more heat tolerant than other selections. Very beautiful bright blue blades that push upward and outward. It is vogorous and stoloniferous, and will often be a bit pushy in a regular garden situation, but does well around shrubs and trees.

Erianthus ravennae Ravenna Grass, Northern Pampus Grass This is also known as 'Hardy Pampas Grass' due to the huge plumes that resemble its Southern cousins. By late summer, the plumes begin to shoot skyward and provide movement in the garden with just the slightest breeze. With foliage that reaches 5 feet tall and plumes that tower to 8-12 feet, Erianthus ravennae is an ideal grass to make a living windbreak or screen. Also provides excellent winter interest in the landscape.

Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ Japanese Forest Grass Having all the admirable qualities of its deservedly popular cousin, H. macra 'Aureola' -- long sword-shaped leaves that form graceful clumps -- but the foliage of this newcomer is completely golden, without a tincture of tree green, making it even more striking when planted along a woodland path or beside a shady terrace, or anywhere in soft, dappled light.  The reddish inflorescence in the fall adds color and grace.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ Golden Japanese Forest Grass Best choice for shade. Golden mounding variegation really puts a bright spot in shaded areas. Spills nicely over edges of walkways or low walls. Likea a moist humusy soil, and good drainage.

Helictotrichon sempervirens ‘Sapphire’ Blue Oat Grass Clump forming, wiry, vivid blue-gray leaves radiates out from the center to form a bristling round dome of foliage to 2 feet tall (like a form of a large pincushion). Moderately drought tolerant. Use a stiff rake annually to remove old foliage. Interesting companion plantings are Russian Sage and Sedum 'Ruby Glow' or 'Autumn Joy'. The panicles are white to beige and are borne on tall stems (sparse flowing in hot/humid weather).

Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ Japanese Blood Grass Outstanding! Red Baron’s deep red color appears first at the tips of its grassy leaves, then dramatically bleeds downward, eventually covering the tip tow-thirds of the blades. Its rich red color remains attractive well into the fall, creating stunning contrast to other foliage and flowering plants in borders, woodland gardens and containers.

Melinis nerviglumis 'Pink Crystal' Ruby Grass 1998 Plant Select.  Many gardeners consider the shimmering heads of bright ruby and silver flowers the most beautiful new contribution to bedding or the border. It sparkles like champagne bubbles. Height: 20-24" Width: 12-15"  Blooms: August to September.  Sun: Full Annual

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Border Bandit’ This has fine textured, narrow, green leaves that are marked with widely spaced, gold horizontal bands. It forms an upright, vase-shaped formal clump. Come October, its burgundy coloured plumes may also add fall interest, but in any case, site this ornamental grass where its wonderful winter silhouette can be enjoyed!

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Graziella’ Maiden Grass 'Graziella' is noted for its narrow green leaves which form a substantial, rounded, arching clump of foliage typically growing 4-6' tall (to 7' when in flower). Foliage turns orange-red in fall, but fades to straw-beige by winter. Tiny white flowers appear in tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in late summer, gradually turning into silvery white plumes as the seeds mature. Blooms earlier than most Miscanthus cultivars. Flower plumes persist well into winter providing good winter interest. Similar in appearance to M. s. 'Gracillimus'  except blades are more erect and overall clump height is shorter.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Huron Sunrise’ The most profusely blooming Miscanthus. Though the green leaves with silver mid-ribs form beautiful clumps, the most outstanding feature of this new cultivar is its flowers. In late summer, a profusion of full, burgundy plumes sweep the sky. The plant maintains its graceful form throughout winter, providing tremendous winter interest. Hardy to zone 4, this variety is great for northern climates.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Kleine Silberspinne'  Silver Spider Eulalia Grass  A densely-tufted eulalia grass cultivar which typically forms an upright foliage clump rising 4-5' tall of narrow (1/2" wide), linear, slightly arching, green leaves. Tiny pink-tinged flowers in tassel-like inflorescences appear in late summer on stalks rising well above the foliage to 6' tall. Tassels gradually mature into silvery plumes which purportedly have a spidery appearance, hence the cultivar name. After seed sets, the continuing flower effect of the plumes lasts well into if not through the winter. Foliage gradually turns tan after frost.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' Silver Variegated Maiden Grass A grass cultivar that is noted for its very narrow green leaves with white variegation on the margins. Foliage has an overall silvery appearance. Typically forms an upright, rounded clump of foliage growing 4-6' tall. Not much fall color, with blades eventually turning straw-beige by winter. Tiny reddish-copper flowers appear in long tassel-like inflorescences above the foliage in mid to late September, gradually turning into silvery white plumes as the seeds mature.

Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'  Porcupine Grass One of the best ornamental grasses for a suburban garden. Unlike Miscanthus 'Zebrinus', this upright form of zebra grass has no political aspirations...it doesn't lean to the right or left...great where a more structural form is needed. The 3/4" wide green leaves have dramatic horizontal golden bands throughout the leaf.  It is great as an accent but awesome when used in a large mass...bronze plumes appear in late summer and last until spring, extending a foot above the foliage!

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Rotsilber’ Maiden Grass Strong upright habit and slim leaves, each with a narrow silver stripe down the centre of the leaf. A very deep red flower turning white and fluffy late in the autumn. A dramatic and imposing plant introduced by Ernst Pagels and worth growing as a specimen plant.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens Flame Grass This very easy-to-grow grass forms a compact, neat plant that remains attractive throughout the year. Its foliage develops richer and richer red coloration as the summer progresses, culminating in flaming orange-red in fall. Attractive, reddish tassel-like plumes arise above the foliage in late summer and pale to creamy white in fall, remaining on the plant throughout the winter and providing contrast to its dark burgundy winter foliage - a striking visual display when illuminated by early morning sun.

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ Zebra Grass Zebra grass is one of the most fascinating variegated grasses because its yellow-on-green variegation runs in horizontal bands. With a round, weeping form, Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' grows to 6-7 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide. It is a fast grower and is virtually carefree. 'Zebrinus' is nearly identical to M. sinensis 'Strictus' with a slight difference in form: while 'Strictus' is spiky and upright, 'Zebrinus' forms an arching clump that is not quite as tall.

Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' or ‘Arabicus’ Black Mondo Grass Originally introduced in the US in 1960 by California's Oakhurst Gardens, each 6" tall circular mound is composed of truly black 1/4" wide foliage. Spreading slowly by rhizomes, a single plant will make a nice 18" wide mat in 3 years. For quicker coverage, we plant on 10-12" centers. This easy-to-grow groundcover makes a fabulous backdrop for blues, golds and good imaginations.

Panicum virgatum 'Cloud Nine' Giant Blue Switchgrass A large and stately native grass with a vase-shaped habit and sturdy upright blades. In late summer it blooms in huge clouds of silvery fawn that remain attractive into the winter. Simply spectacular waving in the breeze!

Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' This perfectly named native grass is incredibly beautiful and adds a touch of class to any garden. The metallic-blue foliage grows tightly and vertically. And it won’t flop over, even under snow! ‘Heavy Metal’ is a tough, long-lived, warm-season bunch grass that contrasts nicely when planted next to mounding Artemisia Powis Castle.

Panicum virgatum ‘Huron Solstice’ Red Switch Grass This new selection has blue-green foliage that turns a deeper shade of wine-purple beginning in early summer. This grass is strictly upright from top to bottom, unlike 'Prairie Fire' whose leaves curl at the top. In late summer, deep purple panicles are produced.

Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Fire’ Red Switch Grass A spectacular switch grass with sturdy, upright, blue-green stems and wine-red leaves. In the spring, the foliage is blue-green, but by early summer the leaves begin to turn a stunning shade of deep red. Most red switch grasses do not begin to turn color until late summer, so this grass is quite remarkable in that it changes color so early in the season. In late summer, a bouquet of rosy panicles is displayed just above the foliage.

Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky' The tight-growing, upright columns of sky-blue foliage are superb, especially in the fall when the plant is topped by a haze of sandy-colored flower spikes. Nice planted with other prairie wildflowers.

Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ This grass can easily be mistaken for Japanese Blood grass. The leaf tips turn red soon after it starts to grow in the spring. In fall the foliage is a spectacular deep burgundy color.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’ Giant Fountain Grass This forms a dense clump as tall as it is wide. In late summer, smoky rose, bottlebrush plumes measuring 6-8 inches or longer are produced. In their early stages, a tuft of white hairs appears at the end of each plume, looking a bit like a fox's tail. In the fall, the narrow green leaves turn gold.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ Dwarf Fountain Grass A compact growth habit and finely textured foliage make this one of the most popular Pennisetum cultivars. Tidy tufts of foliage are topped in late summer with fuzzy cream-colored blooms. A trouble-free and reliable garden plant.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ Miniature Fountain Grass A truly miniature fountain grass with cream seed heads that resemble little bunny tails. This petite Ornamental grass is great for the front of the border or for gardens with limited space. Pennisetum 'Little Bunny' is virtually deer-proof!

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’  Fountain Grass This impressive new grass Pennisetum 'Red Head' is the largest flowering of all the Fountain Grasses! Pennisetum 'Red Head' has plumes which resemble burgundy-red foxtails when opening and then explode into huge smoky-purple bottlebrushes. Each bottlebrush plume measures a whopping 3" wide and over 8" long! Attractive gold foliage in the fall.

Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' Oriental Fountain Grass Uniform, upright clumps of gracefully arching, deep green foliage erupt into soft rose-purple plumes from early summer until frost. Enjoy its subtle straw color in the winter.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Blaze’ Little Bluestem Little Bluestem grass is invaluable in xeriscapes and nateive wildflower plantings. A cultivar selected by agronomists in NE as a high yielding pasture grass, “Blaze” is also used ornamentally for its vivid red fall foliage. In winter it remains a standout as the leaves fade to deep pink. “Blaze” is easily grown and adapts to any soil type, including clay.

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Prairie Blues’ Little Bluestem Features upright clumps of slender bright grey-blue leaves. In August, purplish-bronze flowers appear on branched stems above the foliage. These give way to clusters of fluffy, silvery-white seed heads. In autumn, the leaves of this native grass change to red-orange; the vibrant colour often persists through winter. Once established, this plant will grow in hot, dry areas where other plants struggle!