Tall, feathery grasses with soft, fuzzy seed heads are backlit by the warm setting sun in a lush garden, creating a glowing effect on the plants and a peaceful, natural atmosphere.

The feathery seed heads captured the gilded light of the setting sun, like wicks of a candle, smoldering above the arching, green grass.

Close-up of green grass stems with tiny seeds and orange tips, set against a blurred grassy background and trees under a bright sky.

Ornamental Grasses are truly versatile. They can add height, texture, color and year round interest. They can soften hardscapes, provide screening/privacy (some varieties can grow 6-7′), provide a focal point, attract wildlife, and act as groundcover. Additionally, and often times overlooked, Ornamental Grasses have the ability to add movement and sound. Placed in planters, they can add panache to your decks and patios. They truly can fill almost any role within your landscape, and they require very little in return.

Dense clump of spiky, dark green-black grass-like leaves growing outdoors in soil, with a few small purple berries nestled among the foliage.

Black Mondo Grass
Compact, clump forming, evergreen grass emerges purplish-green before turning a stunning purplish-black.  Dark lavender flowers bloom in Summer, followed by purple berries in Fall.  Provides seasonal interest year round with great contrast, texture and movement.  Great as edging or in containers.

Tall, dense clump of ornamental grass with feathery, beige plumes growing by a sidewalk, surrounded by greenery and trees in the background.

Feather Reed Grass 
One of the more popular grasses, Feather Reed Grass grows straight and upright, reaching heights of 5′. Feathery, tan plumes and tiny flowers emerge in early summer, surrounded by its deep green leaves. In Fall, the seed heads mature to a soft, wheat-color that endures into Winter, adding interest and color. Feather Reed Grass provides an excellent vertical accent, whether used in a bed behind perennials, near a water feature, or as a screen.

Close-up of tall, thin grass stems with wispy, feathery seed heads, softly lit and gently blurred in the background.

Little Bluestem
This native prairie grass grows in shades of blue, silver, and green and matures to a fiery red in Fall with fluffy, silvery seed stalks. Its airy, delicate texture comes to life in the gentlest of breezes. Little Bluestem works well as a groundcover or in a mixed border. Can also be used on hilly drifts for erosion control.

Close-up of long, slender green and yellow variegated leaves with pointed tips, growing densely. The background shows more foliage and a sunlit concrete surface.

Variegated Japanese Forest Grass
This low growing, mounding grass has gracefully arching, golden foliage with green stripes. Hints of red and pink can be seen in the Fall. Works well when planted along pathways, under trees or shrubs or in a shade garden.

Tall ornamental grass with feathery, pinkish-tan plumes sways in a garden, surrounded by greenery and a few yellow flowers at the base. Trees and a blurred background are visible behind the grass.

Fountain Grass
Clump forming grass with gracefully arching fluffy, flaxen plumes that bloom above the lush green foliage. Foliage matures to a golden russet in Fall and remains throughout the Winter. Great as a backdrop in beds or amongst shrubs for contrast.  Consistent winter interest.

Tall, golden reeds sway in the wind under a clear blue sky, with sunlight highlighting the feathery tops; distant trees are faintly visible on the horizon.

No other plant offers hypnotic, gentle swaying, rhythmic sound, color, texture, and year round interest like Ornamental Grasses. Break away from the negative connotations and discover their true assets.  Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and fall in love with these humble beauties. We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

 

A large, dense ornamental grass bush with long, slender green leaves grows in a garden bed, surrounded by other plants and flowers.

Porcupine Grass

Upright green foliage is adorned with golden, horizonal bands.  Reddish-bronze plumes bloom above the foliage in late Summer/early Fall.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 6-8′ tall and 3-4′ wide.  Deer resistant.  Salt tolerant.

“She speaks in whispers and lullabies, and dances in the wind.  She tempers the hardened, and fortifies the precarious.  She is beauty, power, humility and grace across the seasons.  She is prairie grass.”

-Kim Sweeney

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney