Most ornamental grasses will thrive in a well-drained organically-rich
soil in a sunny location. Some type of mulch is helpful to reduce
competition from weeds. They are all gracious complements to water
features including pools, water gardens, and ponds. However, the
connection should be visual rather than literal since most of them do
not want their roots in the water.
Bamboos thrive under
conditions of adequate moisture with well-drained, organically rich
soil, in at least partial shade. A yearly mulch application of aged
manure or organic compost insures that they will continue to thrive.
Some are clump-forming but most are, and I cannot emphasize this too
strongly, highly invasive and need serious containment. Thick concrete
poured to a depth of twenty-four inches is one guaranteed method of
keeping them in their place. The vast majority of ornamental grasses are
best propagated by division in the spring prior to the arrival of new
growth. Adequate moisture should be provided for the first year or two
until the plants have established themselves. Mulch is recommended.
Yearly maintenance involves
little more than cutting the old stalks down in late March or early
April. This is done most easily with an electric hedge clipper.
