By Carl Wilson, Extension Agent, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in Denver County Name a plant that provides foliage variety, interesting blooms, winter texture, movement and sound for the garden. Not if the plant is one of the ornamental grasses.
Most gardens can benefit from the vertical line and foliage contrast grasses provide.
Both leaves and blooms sway in the wind providing movement in a static garden and additional interest from the gentle rustling sounds. The winter form of tan grasses against white snow is dramatic. Americans have been late to discover the merits of ornamental grasses. This is ironic because many grasses native to the Great Plains are perfect garden candidates. It works well in hot, dry locations and attracts bi rds to the garden.