Ornamental Grass as Part of the Gardenscape

Remember when grass in the flower bed was a problem? I would grab a trowel to eradicate any that crept in. Now, I find myself planting grass in the flower garden… ornamental grass, that is. 

Ornamental grasses are ever-so-popular now. The sight of multiple clumps of ornamental grass and grass-like plants such as Black Mondo Grass in a gardenscape now indicates to me that a gardener has been at work, creating something strikingly beautiful.

Using grasses in gardenscapes has been popular in some countries for quite some time. In Germany, for example, this is true. Part of this stems from that country’s focus on utilizing plants that prevent erosion, sustain themselves without much human intervention and certainly without herbicides and pesticides, and do not require heavy watering, fertilizers, and the like. German horticulturists and ecologists wrote about this more than a century ago. Some of that country’s public parks and roadside greenspaces were the first spots to exemplify this approach. But only recently has it taken stronger hold and spread to other countries, not only for public spaces but for residential gardens, as well.

A broader base of gardeners is now aware that native plants have the strength to withstand local conditions without pampering. Gardeners have also learned from the horticulturists of old that selecting plants with similar nutrient requirements for the same garden bed means less worry and toil. And taking to heart an additional lesson, they know that using ornamental grasses, sometimes native and sometimes introduced from afar, provides both structure and beauty to garden beds. 

Present-day gardeners the world around now plant grasses amid flowering perennials. Clumps of ornamental grass are as decorative as anything, with textures and colors that offset the blooms and broad leaves of other plantings. Ornamental grass varieties with wheat-like tops, wispy foliage, or blades that catch every breeze add to the visual interest and movement in garden beds.

Fountain Grass, Muhly Grass, Fescues, and other grasses grow strong, typically withstanding both excess moisture and drought. They are used not only for the way they look, but also the way they behave. To accompany them, other grass-like plants shine. While not all grass-like plants have the tough-as-steel strength of true grasses (for example, Black Mondo Grass sometimes needs protection from extreme cold), they are nonetheless resilient and create “the look” that many of us now desire for our gardens.

Black Mondo Grass, mentioned earlier, is a perennial (in Hardiness Zones 5-10) from the lily family. It is thought to be among the blackest of perennials around, making Black Mondo Grass a dramatic counterpart to other plantings. And for blocking weeds, Black Mondo Grass fills the bill perfectly while filling gaps in the garden. 

Black Mondo Grass has a rounded growth habit. While gardeners may initially think of bordering an area with this plant, the European style of using Black Mondo Grass would instead create painterly pockets of its moody color amid pockets of perennials that bloom at different times. 

I used to rely on dark mulch to make plants “pop”. The deep color of Black Mondo Grass does the same thing. Pairing it with flowering perennials and true grasses such as Pink Muhly Grass, which gets larger and wilder than Black Mondo Grass, I fill space, shore up soil, and design beautiful vistas. 

I do not think I will ever limit myself to using only native plants. I know I have not tested my soil enough to ensure I place only those plants with similar needs in areas that will serve them well. But I have come to see what ornamental grasses and grass-like plants such as Black Mondo Grass can offer my garden. You might do the same.

Try wispy ornamental grasses to add a dreamy, misty look. Try grasses with long blades that arch beautifully. And try Black Mondo Grass for its color and growth habit. Our gardening forefathers/mothers were on to something. I am happy to be putting some of their lessons into action.