During fall, we always forget about ornamental grasses. That’s a mistake because grasses can make your fall containers look fuller and last longer through the season. They don’t ask for much care, and they survive cooler temperatures better than most flowers. If you’ve never used ornamental grasses before, you might be surprised at how easy they are to work with.
Below are a few tips to help you get started stress-free.
1. Pick Grasses That Stay Upright
Some grasses flop when they grow too tall or get wet, which can make your containers look messy. Go for types that stay upright and don’t bend all over the place. Fountain grass, feather reed grass, and little bluestem are all good options. You want something that gives your container height without tipping over after a windy day.
You can also use flower delivery in Salisbury, NC if you’re short on time or want something delivered straight to your home.
2. Mix Heights Instead of Matching Everything
People often put one type of grass in a container and then wonder why it looks flat. You don’t have to match everything. Mix a tall grass with something mid-sized and then use shorter plants or even small trailing vines around the edges. That way, your container looks layered instead of like a row of sticks.
3. Don’t Forget About Color
Ornamental grasses come in more than just green. Some have purple or reddish tones, and others turn bronze or golden as the weather cools. For fall, those color changes can make your container look like it fits the season naturally. Just don’t overdo it. One bold-colored grass mixed with a couple of neutral ones usually works better than throwing in too many colors. If you’re hunting for seasonal plants or want to pair your fall containers with some fresh blooms for your porch or dining table, you should check out your nearest China grove flower shop for unique options.
4. Water Less but Watch Closely
A lot of beginners drown their grasses because they think more water is always better. Ornamental grasses don’t need as much water as other plants, especially once they’re settled in the container. Still, don’t let them dry out completely. Check the soil every few days, especially when it’s windy or dry outside. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
5. Don’t Skip Fertilizer
Since grasses will be in containers for the whole season, they can run out of nutrients pretty fast. Add a slow-release fertilizer when you first plant them, and maybe give them a little extra liquid feed halfway through fall. It’s not complicated. Just follow the instructions on the package. Healthy grasses keep their color longer and don’t look tired by mid-season.
6. Give Them Space
It’s easy to cram too many grasses into one container because they start out looking small. Remember, they will spread and fill in as the season goes on. If you overcrowd them, the container will look messy and the plants won’t grow as well. Start with fewer plants than you think you need. The container will fill out naturally in a few weeks.
For those living further west, flower shops in Franklin, NC can be a convenient choice to grab some fillers or accents for your containers.
If you want to add fresh flowers or seasonal accents to go with your fall containers, you can order them online from Happy Bee Florist. We have a wide range of options and can make your porch or patio look more inviting without you having to spend the whole weekend shopping. Order now!
