Recently, the ornamental appeal of grasses has been discovered, creating an increase in the use of grasses in garden designs. In my own garden, some of the larger types of ornamental grasses are used as living sculpture, to fill in areas where nothing else will thrive, as a contrast in a rather busy and colourful perennial garden and as a screen to separate a shady sitting area from the sunny lawn. Some of the smaller varieties are used as border plants and mixed with shorter perennials and annuals. The important features of sculptural grasses are their non-invasive habit, their height, the foliage and the flower heads. These selections may stand as the centre piece of the garden or be companions to some of the taller plants such as sunflowers, monarda or lilies.
Ornamental grasses are virtually pest free and can withstand many environmental changes.
Areas which are typically difficult for other garden plants are often well suited for grasses. It has filled in beautifully and requires little or no care. The variegated foliage offers season-long interest. Gardeners beware though, because this plant can be invasive and will crowd out some of the less aggressive perennials. In the perennial border there are all sizes and shapes of ornamental grasses which are suitable.