Most perennial grasses turn brown naturally in the fall and are beautiful accents when the chaff is dusted with snow in the winter landscape. The chaff is cut down at winter's end and mulched to reduce soil heaving which can damage roots. Plant these grasses in full sun and where there is adequate drainage. Sedges are a better choice if you have more shade and wet ground. Grasses and sedges prefer nitrogen rich fertilizer just like your lawn does to produce luxurious, well colored leaves.
Fescues are among our most rugged and drought tolerant turf grasses.
The little blue fescue, Festuca glauca is such a charming color that it has been used in modern, Oriental, and natural gardens. Creeping red fescue is a popular meadow grass that's used as a perennial groundcover in warm climates. The fountain grasses have enjoyed long term popularity, particularly in the dry landscapes of the west. Because they prefer well drained soil with low fertility and minimal water, they are used as accents for rock gardens and dry stream beds. This easy to grow perennial is indigenous to Africa and is favored for the long feathery seed plumes that can reach three feet tall and arch over much like a flowing fountain.