The use of ornamental grasses in the landscape is increasing. People are starting to recognize their beauty in the shrub bed or as an accent plant. Since the foliage and seed heads of most varieties hold up well during the winter, they provide year-round interest in the garden.
Many varieties add color in the fall and winter when they turn muted shades of gold or russet.
The feathery seed heads dry beautifully and cannot be matched in dried arrangements. Simply cut the stalks before the seed ripens and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place. Most ornamental grasses are very tolerant of heat and drought and will grow in areas where other plants fail. Most varieties prefer full sun, however a few will grow well in partial shade. Mulch the plants in late fall, after the ground has frozen, with clean hay or straw.