|
Updated May 3rd, 2007
By Robin Corwin - LCF Outlook
Grass is Greener
Whether they’re catching the morning light, reflecting the setting
sun, or waving gently in the breeze, grasses and grass-like plants are all
the rage. This wasn’t always the case. Yes, it’s true that grasses have been
cultivated by mankind for ages to provide grain for human consumption
and forage for grazing animals. However, except for the sweeping lawns
introduced in 18th century England and France which required abundant
resources and labor to keep them manicured (and still do), the decorative
aspect of this family of plants has mostly been overlooked.
The earliest garden designers to recommend utilizing ornamental
grasses were Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson. But the real push
came when German nurseryman Karl Foerster wrote extensively about
them in his 1950 book, “The Uses of Grasses and Ferns in the Garden.”
Influential garden designers like Brazil’s Roberto Burle Marx, the East
Coast’s Oehme and Van Sweden and Europe’s Piet Oudolf soon began
designing gardens which featured grasses and grass-like plants. The
“New American Garden” style mixes grasses and perennials for a lowmaintenance,
ever-changing landscape.
True grasses are members of the Poaceae family, but there are a multitude
of grass-like plants that mimic them like restios, sedges, bamboos
and New Zealand flaxes. Grasses grow from the bases of their leaves or
shoots, regenerating easily if cut, burned or eaten. Their fruits are what
we know as grain — wheat, oats, rice and corn are some examples. Often
their seedheads persist in winter, adding interest and providing food for
wildlife.
Since they’ve adapted to most climates on earth, there are grasses
suitable for every situation and aspect. There are clumpers and spreaders,
some that require regular water and others that are drought tolerant, there
are short-growing lawn substitutes and 10-foot-tall giants. With all this
variety, it takes knowledge and skill to use them effectively and grow
them well.
You can get this knowledge by consulting an expert, and one of
today’s leading grass experts, Rick Darke, will be speaking at the
Southern California Horticultural Society’s meeting next Thursday, May
10, at 7:30 p.m. The event is free to Society members and $10 for nonmembers.
“The Livable Landscape” is Darke’s topic, and his newest
book, “The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes” will be
available for signing.
If you’re interested in learning how grasses can add drama, interest
and beauty to your garden, mark your calendar — you won’t want to
miss this event. |
