GardenGateMagazine.com | GARDEN GATE 71
GO NATURAL All grasses don’t have to be space-eating
monsters. Even a small garden can handle several diff erent
types so you get some interesting color and texture
contrast. Look for low-growing varieties that have arching
or wide-spreading forms, like these dwarf fountain grasses
(Pennisetum alopecuroides).SAVE TIME If you grow perennials, you know how you’re
always being told to deadhead to keep them tidy? Well, tidy
is subjective. Imagine this garden without these rusty brown
astilbe (Astilbe spp.) fl ower heads. It wouldn’t be nearly as
interesting if they’d been cut off. And seedheads will show
best if they’re in front of a solid background, like these
hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata).The word on ornamental grasses
If you’re looking for a low-care garden, go for
grasses. They don’t need staking, deadheading
or lots of fertilizing to keep them looking great.
About the only maintenance they require is
spring cleanup. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Before you begin to see new growth sprouting
near the base of the clump, it’s time to cut away
the dead stems. As you see in the photo, start
by tying all of the stems together with string or
twine. That’ll make hauling them away mucheasier. Tall or very large clumps may need to be
tied in a couple of places so they’re easier to
handle. Next, grab your pruning shears and start
cutting. Cut all of the stems down so the stubble
is 4 to 6 in. high. Sturdy pruners can handle
tough maiden grass stems. But if the stems are
thin and delicate, you may be able to cut with a
pair of long-bladed hedge shears. Once you’re
done, haul the bundles away, sit back and watch
the grass grow.PHOTO: © Linda Oyama Bryan for Hoerr Schaudt Landscape ArchitectsGG14967_83_BONUS.indd 71GG14967_83_BONUS.indd 71 6/26/2019 12:30:38 PM6/26/2019 12:30:38 PMGardenGateMagazine.com | GARDEN GATE 71
GO NATURAL All grasses don’t have to be space-eating
monsters. Even a small garden can handle several diff erent
types so you get some interesting color and texture
contrast. Look for low-growing varieties that have arching
or wide-spreading forms, like these dwarf fountain grasses
(Pennisetum alopecuroides).
SAVE TIME If you grow perennials, you know how you’re
always being told to deadhead to keep them tidy? Well, tidy
is subjective. Imagine this garden without these rusty brown
astilbe (Astilbe spp.) fl ower heads. It wouldn’t be nearly as
interesting if they’d been cut off. And seedheads will show
best if they’re in front of a solid background, like these
hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata).The word on ornamental grasses
If you’re looking for a low-care garden, go for
grasses. They don’t need staking, deadheading
or lots of fertilizing to keep them looking great.
About the only maintenance they require is
spring cleanup. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Before you begin to see new growth sprouting
near the base of the clump, it’s time to cut away
the dead stems. As you see in the photo, start
by tying all of the stems together with string or
twine. That’ll make hauling them away mucheasier. Tall or very large clumps may need to be
tied in a couple of places so they’re easier to
handle. Next, grab your pruning shears and start
cutting. Cut all of the stems down so the stubble
is 4 to 6 in. high. Sturdy pruners can handle
tough maiden grass stems. But if the stems are
thin and delicate, you may be able to cut with a
pair of long-bladed hedge shears. Once you’re
done, haul the bundles away, sit back and watch
the grass grow.PHOTO: © Linda Oyama Bryan for Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects