Low Maintenance Ornamental Gardening Options

     Ornamental grasses are a great choice for low maintenance gardening options. It is estimated that Americans spend between $400 and $700 per year on lawn care alone. This expense includes labor, water, pesticides, and more. Gas mowers add to our environmental cost by negatively impacting the environment. They are considered to be one of the largest pollutants found in America due to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

     In recent years, the impact of traditional lawns and grasses on the environment has come into consideration because of the global scrutiny of climate change. Many things that we put on our lawns harm the environment. Pesticides and insecticides leach positive things from the soil. They kill good insects, and often runoff into public water sections, local streams, rivers, and more. There are over 10,000 varieties of grasses. This means that grasses are one of the largest groups within the plant family. This also means that people aren’t limited to traditional turf grasses. Instead it is possible to use ornamental grasses that are inexpensive and require minimal work. Once the type of grass for the desired climate is chosen, there is no need to spend long weekends working the yard. The truth is, traditional grasses, such as Bermuda and Kentucky bluegrass, consume an excessive amount of energy to maintain. Mowing, weeding and fertilizing these grasses is very time consuming. Ornamental grasses have a very low level of maintenance in comparison to traditional turf grasses and can grow wild. These wild grasses are known for hardiness and can withstand harsh weather, disease, and pests. Initially it is necessary to establish the appropriate soil, sunlight, and rainfall, but after that they need little help.

     Ornamental grasses come in many varieties, including different colors, textures, blooms and heights. This allows for some creativity in the grasses, allowing for true artistry in lawn care. Most ornamental grasses are perennials, which mean they are annually returning grasses. Some ornamental grasses are of the invasive variety. This means that they will overtake over types of the yard and will choke out other plant life. This needs to be taken into consideration if your yard has a lot of plant diversity.

     Ornamental grasses also come in either clumpers or runners. This determines how the plant will spread and ultimately affects the appearance of the garden or lawn. Clumpers grow large and tall, and have root ball structures that cause the grasses to grow outward from the center. These clumpers are easier to control. Runners have similar growth patterns to traditional turf grasses. They maintain a complex root system that is very aggressive but suitable for ground coverings. Due to the large variety of ornamental grasses, you can find a grass for any season or climate. This versatility and the low energy maintenance make ornamental grasses a great eco-friendly choice for your yard.