As the public becomes increasingly aware of environmental forces in the Midwest landscape, many of the ornamental grasses that have an inherent ability to handle both the drought years as well as the wet years, are eagerly being sought. Another valuable environmental characteristic of some of the ornamental grasses is the ability to endure the continuous freezing and thawing of soils typical of the Midwest during the winter. There are also non-prairie type grasses that will thrive in relationship to water such as around ponds. Care should be taken in selecting ornamental grasses to match specimens to the extremes of a given site. During the growing season, the ornamental grasses range in height from 6 inches to 14 or more feet and can be used as accent plants, ground covers, screens, border edgings, or as companions with a wide range of flowering herbaceous plants.
Flowers vary in form, inflorescence, size, color and time of bloom providing a wealth of choices.
Dried foliage and flowers on many ornamental grasses are attractive and will gracefully sway with the wind in the cold months adding a new dimension to the winter garden. Many are excellent for use in floral arrangements. Culture Ornamental grasses are propagated from seed or division, and can be purchased from seed companies and garden stores. Generally, the improved strains, which include most of the new varieties, will not come true from seed and must be propagated from divisions. Grasses do not transplant or propagate well after mid-summer because root growth slows dramatically.