Grass is not just for lawns! There are many different types and varieties of grasses that can be used for a medley of reasons. Some grasses are perfect to give height and texture to an otherwise dull view, some can be used for the beautiful sound they make when the wind blows through them, some can be grown for crafting and weaving and some can be used for giving much needed soil structure in wet conditions to stop sloped banks from washing away.
Here I will name a few different types, what they can be used for, and where they can be grown;
Pennisetum alopeccuroides (Chinese Fountain Grass)
This is a lovely grass for giving borders and beds some structure and height. It can get to up to 1 metre high and has arching stalks with fluffy seed heads on the top coming from a green leaf base that turns golden in autumn. This grass is great to dry and use in flower arrangements. It looks best when planted in clumps but can be also used in larger containers.
Panicum Virgatum 'Sangria'
This is a very unique looking grass with a sharply structured angular leaf. It has a green base with striking red leaves jutting out at the top. When it flowers the cream flower heads don't come far over the top of the leaf giving an even more stark contrast to the red colour. It works fabulously in border beds and in smaller containers with its maximum height being around 40-50cm.
Creeping Red Fescue
This is a grass that is commonly used to cover banks that are prone to washing away. Its matted root system holds the soil in place and the plant will withstand most harsh weather conditions. If you have a sloped area that nothing else will grow on this is your answer. You can mix the seeds of this grass with wildflowers and the two will work together to make even the worst looking area more lush. Beware however when planting near to any preened beds or displays though as the seeds from this grass are very good at spreading themselves and you may be weeding them out of your boarders in years to come!
Carex Feather Falls
I have a soft spot for Carex, they are generally a very well behaved grass that stay where you put them and with the minimum of care they always tend to look bright and healthy. It has striped green and golden leaves and comes out from a central point in a large crown. It looks incredibly well in large pots on patios or in raised beds flowing over the side.
Finally the topic of grasses and their uses wouldn't be complete without a tip of the hat to our coastal saviour, Ammophila arenaria Marram grass. Marram grass grows in sand dunes and is critical in the task of stopping wind and sea erosion on our coasts. There used to be a lot more of it but in the 17th century it was heavily harvested to make thatch for roofing. Since then local councils on the coast have been replanting Marram grass as a cost efficient and eco friendly way to prevent the erosion of the dunes.
There are literally 100's of varieties of grasses to choose from here in Ireland, so next time you are planning your garden have a look and see if there's one that catches your eye :)
