Please keep (your shears) off the grass

Ornamental grasses — all of which I adore — are in flower now. There are many grass species ranging in effect from fluffy and cute to elegant and architectural. They can sound like the ocean when breezes stir the foliage, they make excellent privacy screens, provide shelter for wildlife and some can guzzle copious amounts of water in areas you might prefer to keep dry.

Birds love them, too, as they provide tasty treats in the form of seeds. I was reminded of this when I rushed over to admire a freshly stocked cart of Pennisetum at a local nursery and inadvertently triggered a panicked evacuation of an entire flock of sparrows.

When selecting ornamental grasses for your garden, consider their ultimate, mature spread. The larger species that have an arching, fountain-like habit require a lot of real estate. It seems obvious to figure out how much space you have and then install a suitable plant there, I know, but I am cringing as I write about the numerous ornamental grasses I have lately seen sheared to fit a tight spot. This is a go preceded by a big NO. 

 

The problem with the plantings of the fluffy, arching maiden grass (Miscanthus) in these two photos is that these plants encroach too much on the nearby walkways, which is what motivated the shearing. A more upright form would work better in these areas.

The same species planted in a wide border around a pool are much more effective, although even these are getting a bit overgrown for the space. In this case I would advise division to give them — and the people lounging — more room to breathe. These grasses can be divided like any other perennial; and free plants are always a good thing.

Ornamental grasses are great for hedging but they are not privet or boxwood so please put down the shears; at least until next year. The only appropriate time to prune ornamental grasses is at the end of winter when foliage should be cut down to four to six inches tall. Cut down the old leaves before fresh green shoots appear in spring.

The only other correct motivation for wielding the garden shears around ornamental grasses at this time of year is for flower arranging purposes.

Below is a (not a fabulous shot, alas) beautiful feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') I snapped with my cell phone at Green Spring Gardens.

Both the maiden grass and the feather reed grass flowers add an earthy, elegant note to a late summer bouquet.