Designing with Ornamental Grasses: Types, Resources, and Australian Alternatives

Grass-Scapes: A Low-Maintenance Alternative to Lawns and Shrub Beds

Ornamental grasses offer year-round texture, movement, and seasonal color with minimal care. Four main design groups:

1. Fescues (Festuca)

Cool-season, clumping, blue foliage. Need afternoon shade in hot climates. F. glauca 'Elijah Blue'.

2. Miscanthus

Warm-season, clumping, showy plumes. Many sizes/variegations. Select sterile cultivars. M. sinensis 'Morning Light', 'Gracillimus'.

3. Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Native US warm-season, upright, fall color, blue cultivars. 'Northwind', 'Heavy Metal', 'Shenandoah'.

4. Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

Warm-season, arching, foxtail flowers. Some annual, some perennial. P. alopecuroides 'Hameln', 'Little Bunny'. Fire caution: dormant foliage flammable; keep from structures.

Design Principles

• Mass in drifts (3, 5, 7+) for impact.
• Combine with contrasting foliage (bold leaves, evergreens).
• Leave standing until late winter; cut to 6 in before new growth.

Resources

• thegardenhelper.com/grasses.html
• UT Extension Grass Guide
• Australia: ilda.sitesuite.ws for local substitutes.

Grass-scapes thrive in sun, tolerate drought, resist pests, and provide winter architecture—ideal for modern, low-input landscapes.