State

L.A. Jackson Ornamental Grasses Decorating your lawn w ith these unique grasses can make an exciting back yard. There are grasses and there are grasses. Ornamental grasses aren't the ideal cover for your lawn, but the)’ make interesting additions to your landscape. These flowing plants not only accent existing plantings, but also serve as “Stand-alone" displays or act as a living pri¬ vacy screen. Many ornamental grasses have plumes that are showy outside and can be used as dried arrangements inside. In addition, many of these grasses come in variegated colors to add to the ho-hum greens in the yard. Even die ornamental grasses that are green in die summer usually change dieir coats in die fall and winter to rich autumn colors. Of course, you have seen some of these grasses and know' they arc showy, but dial is only half of the good news. Did you know that most ornamental grasses are very resistant to diseases and insects, can take the heat and drought of summer and need litde pruning? If you are a casual or (come on. admit it) lazy gardener, this is good news. The only requirements these showy plants insist on are well-draining growing sites and lots of sun. These grass¬ es can be the nofuss answer to those bare spots in your yard. When ornamental grasses are men¬ tioned, pampas grass and mondo grass are usually what most gardeners envision. However, dicrc arc many more of these types of grass available that will grow just great in this state. Take a look at the list below. You might just find what you have been looking for Pink Pampas Grass: This is pampas grass with a twist. Instead of the standard white plumes, this variety produces pret¬ ty pinkish fuzzies from July to October. Dwarf Blue Fescue: This popular low- growing, brilliantly blue grass comes in dense, tufted clumps that, planted alxnit a foot apart, will eventually grow togeth¬ er to form a thick, living carpel perfect for small flower beds. It can lx* easily propa¬ gated by dividing the clumps. Switch Grass: This tall grass (4- to 6-foot high) grows well in a variety of soils. In the fall, this popular ornamental turns vivid yellow. Red Switch Grass: This is the same as switch grass, but look for more red and orange coloring, especially in the fall. Ribbon Grass: This fast-spreading grass is noted for the green and white stripes that course the leaves. It looks similar to short bamboo. Like bamboo, it can become a real problem if it is not con¬ trolled. Variegated Purple Moor Grass: You don't need a moor to grow this hardy grass. No. this beauty grows well anywhere in North Carolina. The slightly stiff, 2-inch leaves are tinted purple with light suipes. Japanese Blood Grass: It only grows 12- to 1 8-inches tall, but this grass is a real eye- catcher with its striking reddish coloring. Blue Oat Grass: Red grass won’t work in your landscape? Incorporate the silvery blue coloring of blue oat grass instead. Blue Gray Sedge: Another grass that can serve as a ground cover, this compact grower only reaches about 1 О high. Fountain Grass: The densely tufted clumps develop slender 2- to 3-foot stalks with attractive pinkish-orange plumes that are excellent for dried arrangements. Eulalia Grass: This popular upright plant can reach 6- to 12-feet tall, de¬ pending on the species. There are sever¬ al colorful variations of this grass. The feathery plumes of this ornamental arc usually 8- to 1 2-inches long and are silvery white with tinges of pink. LA. Jackson is editor of Carolina Gardener magazine. Send your questions to him in care of The State. 128 S. Try on St., Suite 2200, Charlotte, N.C 28202. RICHMOND COUNTY Richmond County, North Carolina is in the very heartland of tlx two Carolina v It is a region that abounds with resources for kin пси, industry, and people, lot the visi¬ tor, there arc 440 rooms, 43 restaurants, NC Motor Speedway. Rockingham Dragway. Rankin Museum. National Railroad Museum Tourut Bureau. 18C0858168S The CHARLOTTE MUSEUM of HISTORY & HEZEKIAH ALEXANDER J HOMESITE WHERE CHARLOTTE HERITAGE IS SET IN STONE Tour Mecklenburg’s Premier Historic Landmark - The 1774 Alexander House is completely restored & fully furnished. The Museum features Regional Historical and Cultural Exhibits. (704) 568-1774 3500 Shamrock Dr.. Charlotte. NC 282 1 5 The Stalc/January 1995 39