10 best decorative herbs for the garden
The owners of suburban lands pay close attention to landscape design. The main desire is to improve the free area with minimal effort and time. The second most important criterion is unpretentiousness. The ability to grow in a changeable climate, on any type of soil, has made ornamental grasses for the garden one of the most frequently used plants in decoration.
The multi-colored grass harmoniously fits into the scenery of the artificial reservoir. A small pond or lake, framed by bright greenery, becomes a spectacular place to relax.
Classification of herbs
The assortment of ornamental garden herbs is classified into 2 large groups:
- annuals;
- perennial.
The first category implies annual planting. Plus - the ability to conduct experiments. If you don't like the variety, it can be easily replaced with another version in the next season.
The second involves placing the plant on the site for several years. Plus - you don't need to think every time what type to land from scratch. Minus - over time, the grass fills all the free space. To preserve the boundaries, it is necessary to eliminate overgrown shoots.
On the new site, it is worth starting with planting annual crops. This will allow you to understand the principle of zoning and correct placement. Having formed a certain concept, you can start experimenting with perennial varieties.
Ornamental grasses for the garden: top 10
Among the presented assortment, several options are highlighted that can radically change the appearance of a garden plot.
Gray fescue
Spherical gray-blue bushes that look like hedgehogs attract attention. The height of the "ball" reaches 60 cm. It is used to decorate an alpine slide, placed along the paths, planted along the fence and at home. A perennial garden herb is planted every 4 years. The procedure keeps the seedlings at their "peak" of beauty during the wilting period.
The heat-loving perennial plant takes root well in arid areas. To maintain color saturation, it is recommended to replant every 2 years. Requires minimal maintenance: remove dry leaves, trim shoots.
Not all types of fescue are frost resistant. If the region is characterized by severe winters, a frost-resistant variety must be carefully selected.
Maned barley
The cereal culture creates an atmosphere of lightness on the site. The grass blooms with yellow panicles and does not need careful maintenance. A drought-resistant plant is predominantly located in sunny areas.
Lives in soil poor in minerals. Does not conflict with other species, therefore it is suitable for decorating flower beds. It also looks harmonious in a single landing.
Maned barley does not tolerate flooding, therefore it is recommended to plant it on a hill.
Haretail
The peculiarity of these cereals in inflorescences resembling hare tails. A miniature plant is used in landscape design when decorating flower beds, creating flower arrangements. The light-loving plant is characterized by early flowering. The first spikelets of ornamental grass in the garden are observed in June. The southern regions enjoy the beauty already in May.
Combines with other plants. Feels good with decorative plantings, complementing the overall picture. Looks impressive separately.
Feather grass
A tall plant with thin stems and leaves is planted in separate fluffy "islets". Can be used as a framing for a wide path.
Feather grass is unpretentious in care. It takes root in any soil. Requires watering during dry periods to maintain rich color.
It is necessary to be careful about planting feather grass in the presence of allergy sufferers in the family. Feather grass is a strong allergen.
Purple millet
The burgundy leaves with a bronze sheen are striking in effect. Beautiful flower bed grass is suitable for a large flower garden. Plant height reaches 2 meters, so it can overshadow other plantations with its massiveness. Gardeners allocate a separate territory for this species.
Several stems form a dense wall that creates shade on the sunny side. Used to decorate the recreation area.
Hair grass
The graceful plant of the sedge family consists of thin, weightless stems and leaves. The fragile grass does not tolerate the scorching sun. Recommended for placement in shady areas.
A distinctive feature is the small white flowers crowning the stem. During flowering, this species bends under its own weight. If used as a path edging, you can tie it up, or create a low fence.
Hairy grass needs care. With a lack of light, it turns pale, dry air provokes the death of leaves, an excess of mineral salts is fatal.
Hairy pinnacle
A perennial ornamental curling herb with flowers, characterized by pink, white and purple "panicles". The flowering period is late summer. The rest of the time is represented by green stems, 30-60 cm high.
They germinate well on rocky slopes, talus. Designers use a plant for decoration alpine slides and decorations made of natural and artificial stone.
Shaggy pinnacle does not tolerate frost well. In order not to plant a plant every year, it is appropriate to insulate the plantings in the winter.
Pennisetum purple
It differs from other varieties of this species in a rich bronze-burgundy color. Dense dense bushes reach 2 meters in height. An annual, fast-growing culture pleases the gardener with a bright fountain of shades from July to September.
The aesthetics of the plant does not require additional decorations. This decorative herb in the garden attracts admiring glances from guests.
Cineraria silvery
Low-growing perennial culture combines compactness and grace. Used when decorating flower beds, paths and flower beds. An unpretentious plant gets along with other plantings. Silvery grass for flower beds serves as a contrast to bright inflorescences, zones the territory, and refreshes the appearance.
To block uncontrolled growth throughout the area, you should periodically trim the overgrown leaves.
Maintains a presentable appearance when planted in the sun. Despite the persistent drought tolerance, prolonged lack of water negatively affects the leaves. The processes turn yellow and fall off.
Cylindrical imperial
Bright red thin stems will become an undeniable decoration of the site. Perennial ornamental grass for flower beds reaches a height of 80 cm. The main application is the design of a reservoir. Freestanding bushes focus on the selected areas. To dilute the variegation, alternate with classic green spaces.
The grass quickly spreads over the entire area. It is necessary to monitor the formation of shoots. The excess parts are removed.
The options presented are suitable for growing in all regions. To eliminate the proliferation of sweeping species throughout the territory, it is appropriate to use fences. The partition complements the image of the site, retains the geometry.If the project does not provide for the installation of a low "fence", you can use thin wire or fishing line. The thread is pulled along the entire perimeter of the placement of plants.
We beautifully place ornamental herbs for the garden
Laconic and colorful plantings transform even an empty area.
In order not to oversaturate the territory, designers recommend drawing up a plan:
- Combination of color and size. Fireworks of hues can be disorienting. The concentration in one place of the entire hue spectrum does not make it possible to focus on a particular plant. It is worth adhering to a monochromatic or smooth gradation.
- The need for lighting. Most species tolerate the scorching sun easily. However, some varieties prefer shade. If you combine herbs with opposite "preferences" in one flowerbed, you can destroy both.
- Watering frequency. The roots are adapted to drought, but need water. The amount of liquid is determined by the variety. Plants with high consumption are planted separately. The combination of views provokes the process of decay.
- Annuals, perennials. Some ornamental grasses retain their properties for 1 year. The next season will see a re-planting. Plants designed for several years do not tolerate interference in the growing zone.
- Flowering interval. Gardeners adhere to the principle of gradual flowering. One variety is dying out, the second is gaining strength. This allows you to maintain a riot of colors and greenery throughout the season.
Before planting in open ground, it is advisable to read the manufacturer's instructions. The breeder indicates what conditions must be adhered to for the full development of the plant.
Ornamental grasses are a simple method to add grace to your home garden. Lack of attention does not affect the natural growth process. If it is not possible to devote a lot of time to the garden, an unpretentious plant is the best way out of a difficult situation.
The grass creates a cozy atmosphere without effort and constant control. Hides visual defects of the territory. Converts space disadvantages into advantages.