The details matter: how grasses enhance the garden

The clever gardener knows how to listen to the grass grow when it comes to optimizing the design of their green domain. This skill really helps them out. Because grass is an element that shouldn’t be underestimated. Whether it’s between flower beds, by the pond, or even as a solitary plant – grasses are wonderful plants to create focal points or creatively enhance existing arrangements.

Whether large or small, with thin stems or thicker, grasses always present a delicate appearance. They bring movement and elegance. When the slender forms sway in the wind without bending, an image full of harmony and aesthetics is instantly created. A seemingly unattractive slope, when planted with grasses, becomes an attractive area. An island in the garden, fully planted with grasses, is a top-quality eye-catcher. If a light source and an artistic sculpture are added, a stylish garden space is already created. Even in flower beds, small interruptions with suitable grasses work beautifully. Even in a stylish planter, which creates an accent on the terrace, tall ornamental grasses with impressive color structures and distinctive spikes or panicles make a great impression. And it’s hard to imagine a pond edge without an addition like marsh grass.

In the farmhouse and cottage garden, cotton grasses are a dream. Their seed heads look like little puffs of cotton and complement vegetable, herb, or salad beds beautifully. They’re fun to touch! The fescue is also ideal for garden areas where you can harvest. Due to its high adaptability, it enhances any bed while supporting the atmosphere of friendly down-to-earthness.

Even small grasses do a great job. In the rock garden, the silver grass impresses with its beautiful silvery-gray seed heads. When combined with blue-green grasses like the blue fescue, it creates a true visual delight between the stones! Those with a fondness for the interesting prairie garden will appreciate the hardy love grass, which pairs well with the large pampas grass. The rustic blue grass belongs in full sun, preferably next to a silver thistle. This way, simple aesthetics combine with striking design power.

There are also candidates for beauty awards among grasses. In addition to many exotic varieties of Chinese reed, there's the wonderful Alang-Alang grass with its fascinating charm. It’s truly suitable for any spot, from the front yard to veranda decorations. However, its graceful appearance, which turns red in the fall, deserves to shine as a solitary specimen. Equally beautiful is the Japanese forest grass, which is generous with its alluring colors. It develops in a cascading form and can even mimic a waterfall with its display. This heavenly contribution from the Far East is perfect for a Japanese corner. Add a small dragon or Buddha figure, and your mini oasis for soul-soothing is complete.

For those who don't want to miss out on a good aroma even with grasses, lemongrass is the perfect choice. It smells just as its name suggests. The essential oils stimulate the senses, whether in the herb spiral or nestled among the cushions of the rock garden. It's simple and robust. If the dedicated gardener listens carefully, they might even hear it growing...