Showing posts with label grass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grass. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Is the grass greener on the artificial side
After years of mockery, belittling and ridicule of the fake plant brigade, Im going over to the dark side. Ok, Im not going over all the way. Im just going over to admire the artificial grass.
Ive always been adamant that there is no proper place for fake in gardening - gardens are one of the few places that are real in the high-tech, modern lives we lead. (There is little place for gnomes in my gardens... unless they are real of course).
But lately Ive found myself looking at artificial grass in a different light. Its got a lot going for it that I couldnt see when I couldnt see past the word "artificial":
1. It doesnt need any water. In our water conserving times, this is a big plus. Anything that stays green, and doesnt need to be watered twice a week deserves a little recognition.
2. Its durable. It will take a fair amount of traffic without looking untidy or worn.
3. It doesnt need to be trimmed. For those of you who find the process of mowing lawns cathartic, you can close your eyes for this one. But the costs in time, labour and resources in keeping a lawn in perfect condition can be a strong argument against lawns.
4. It seems to be much improved from the strange green colour and texture that it used to have. There seems to be better and more choices these days.
5. There is also the argument that large areas of grass are artificial anyway, and do little for the environment anyway.
Im not arguing that artificial grass is on an equal footing with grass - it isnt. For one thing, that feeling of walking barefoot on cool grass cant be replaced.
I think the place for artificial grass is for areas where the look of a lawn is whats needed, but for any number of reasons it wont grow without undue amounts of work to keep it looking at its best.
Will you be going over to the dark side?
Monday, March 3, 2014
Feather Grass
Stipa
These are just a few of a genus of very beautiful, fine textured ornamental grasses. They are easy to grow and rarely bothered by insect pests or disease however do require very well drained soil.
Stipa gigantea ( Giant Feather Grass )
A vigorous, long-lived, evergreen, cool-season perennial grass, forming a foliage clump reaching a maximum size of 3 x 5.5 feet, that is native to Portugal.
The flower plumes reach up to 8 feet high.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6 on protected site ) in full sun. It thrives best in cool summer climates such as the Pacific Northwest and western Europe. It can be grown from seed or division done during early spring.
Stipa tenuissima ( Mexican Feather Grass )
Also called Nassella tenuissima. A compact, perennial grass, forming a clump of fine textured, feathery foliage, up to 3 x 2 ( rarely over 2.5 ) feet. In mild climates, it will act as a cool season but evergreen grass. It is native from New Mexico to Texas. It is an excellent plant for extremely hot parking medians and looks great mixed with large bolders to contrast its soft texture.
The silky flower plumes are borne early summer and lasting into autumn.
This very finely textured grass looks great with Firepower Nandinas, Red Cannas and boulders especially when massed. The foliage turns from green to straw color during autumn and winter.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun on very well drained to dry soil. Drought tolerant and not eaten by deer.
It should not be planted in central California where it is too vigorous and in some places has become invasive.
* photos taken on June 20 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 14 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on Oct 14 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* closely related Nassella laevissima which is a native of Chile
Read More..
These are just a few of a genus of very beautiful, fine textured ornamental grasses. They are easy to grow and rarely bothered by insect pests or disease however do require very well drained soil.
Stipa gigantea ( Giant Feather Grass )
A vigorous, long-lived, evergreen, cool-season perennial grass, forming a foliage clump reaching a maximum size of 3 x 5.5 feet, that is native to Portugal.
The flower plumes reach up to 8 feet high.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6 on protected site ) in full sun. It thrives best in cool summer climates such as the Pacific Northwest and western Europe. It can be grown from seed or division done during early spring.
Stipa tenuissima ( Mexican Feather Grass )
Also called Nassella tenuissima. A compact, perennial grass, forming a clump of fine textured, feathery foliage, up to 3 x 2 ( rarely over 2.5 ) feet. In mild climates, it will act as a cool season but evergreen grass. It is native from New Mexico to Texas. It is an excellent plant for extremely hot parking medians and looks great mixed with large bolders to contrast its soft texture.
The silky flower plumes are borne early summer and lasting into autumn.
This very finely textured grass looks great with Firepower Nandinas, Red Cannas and boulders especially when massed. The foliage turns from green to straw color during autumn and winter.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun on very well drained to dry soil. Drought tolerant and not eaten by deer.
It should not be planted in central California where it is too vigorous and in some places has become invasive.
* photos taken on June 20 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 14 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on Oct 14 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* closely related Nassella laevissima which is a native of Chile
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