Plant Type: Grass or Grass-like

Grasses impart grace and continuity to the garden. They are immensely popular and for good reason. The fine textures and waving motions are synonymous with the best gardens. Appreciation of grasses and their beauty reflects a profound shift in aesthetic acceptance. Most people find them integral now to gardening. Lawns are not the only game in town.The colors offered by the thin blades cover the rainbow. We search for grasses that are not only evergreen but thrive in a host of environments. Remember that grasses make elegant container subjects. Grasses native to Oregon are important to us. They complete any native landscape and make great garden plants. The perfect component in a climate adapted garden. There is great interest in massing sedges and grasses in landscapes and it is growing. Some tips. Look at the eventual spread of the grass. There is nothing more irritating than pulling weeds and invasive grasses out of ornamental stands. And we try to shy away from grasses that require frequent division to thrive. These and several mediterranean species such as Seslerias fit well in our climate as they are winter growers. Truly, in western Oregon the land turns green with the first rains and we should take advantage of those qualities. Nothing wrong with sear, golden stands through winter but we think there are more appropriate choices.

Climate Adapted Plants for Gardeners in the PNW