Focus on Fall Texture

          The crisp fall weather has finally arrived in New England and this always conjures up ideas for getting that color and texture of the season into the garden. Perennial grasses can be an easy solution, offering a painter's palette of delights to be best enjoyed during the cool and breezy autumn days and evenings and sometimes right up until the snow flies. 

         Most perennial grasses will do best in a sunny location, although there are some varieties that will tolerate part sun. Many are drought tolerant but some will tolerate moisture. They are easy to care for once established, most have nice tidy clump forming habits and they come in all sizes and colors. With a little effort, you can surely find one that will be perfect for your location. They are great for setting off other perennials in a border, filling in those dreaded "holes" and adding wonderful vertical movement.  May we suggest... 

1. Pennisetum alopecuriodes 'Little Bunny' is a miniature fountain grass that will tolerate part shade.
2. Miscanthus sinensis 'Autumn Light' is a maiden grass that is a tall and textured delight.
3. Panicum virgatum 'RR1 Ruby Ribbons' is a switch grass with bright sturdy foliage and the most delicate graceful blooms.
4. Crocosmia 'Emberglow' is not really a grass but has similar vertical foliage and will steal the show with it's glowing prolific orchid-like blooms. This one does best with some winter mulching in colder climates but is well worth the extra effort.
5. Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus' is a zerbra grass that adds instant contrast.
6. Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' is a tall fountain grass with interesting fuzzy poker shaped blooms.
7. Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune' is a sharp blue dune grass that will tolerate part shade.
8. Chasmanthium latifolium or northern sea oats is a stunner, tall and delicate with incredible movement in the autumn breezes. It will also tolerate part shade.
9. Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal' is a tall switch grass that puts on a bold display of wild and wispy blooms.