With more and more people looking to rid their property of turf grass and replace is with ornamental grasses, the question comes up as to which ones to plant.
Well lucky for you I have some answers!
If you are looking for something to line the back property to hide neighbors or something unsightly then I recommend some Pampas Grass. Now you may think i'm crazy because some people tend to not like this grass. When planted correctly in the right area it can be a blessing. Growing up to 6 feet, then when it makes its beautiful puffs of "flowers" its about 9 feet tall. Plant it in full sun, and very good drought specimen. I had these at my old house to give me some privacy and I loved them. So hardy and heat loving. I didnt give it any love and it couldnt care less. Just kept on growing strong! Blooming late summer and putting on a good show. When I would go look at it closely I saw it harboring lots of native tree frogs, I assume the saw like blades protect them from predators. I wish I had the room to put it in my new home. I strongly suggest this plant if you have the space. Even planting it as a single specimen is wonderful, or placed a bit back from a bench or pond. Also comes in a dwarf variety.
If you are looking for something a bit smaller than I suggest a Native grass, Fakahatchee grass. It's one of my favorites. Perfectly green and graceful in the wind. I love planting this grass behind ponds, it really ads that "meadow" affect. It gets about 4-5 feet tall, likes rich soil, full sun, grows very fast, and can tolerate periods of drought. Most plant this under cypress trees, and around ponds. You can plant this with palmetto and pine trees to give a natural look. They are perfect for stabilizing erosion areas, they have deep dense roots that works really well and holding the soil together. Also comes in a dwarf variety.
Here is a picture in the link http://www.selandscapefl.com/images/fakahatchee_large.jpg
Fountain grass is also really beautiful and one of the easiest grasses to grow, it looks perfect along sidewalks and in mass plantings. Plant with caution and ask friends and neighbors if they have some. In the right environment it can be pretty invasive and obnoxious to get rid of. California for example is over run with it. I did not have this issue when I had it, but i have read and heard some stories. Anyways it is a great drought plant, will do fine with too much water as well. Full sun is a must, Looks great with flowers and around water features like bird baths and ponds. Gets about 3-4 feet tall. Here's a picture I took while in California. Also comes in a Dwarf variety.
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