If you haven’t yet tried ornamental grasses in your garden, you are missing out my friend. There is no other plant that provides the same kind of wispy texture and fluid movement in the garden, and nearly every growing zone in the country has a list of grasses that will thrive for that region. So let’s say you’re intrigued enough to give them a go, but don’t know how you want to use them? I’m here to help! Grasses can be used extensively or almost exclusively within a garden, or simply as textural complements to your flowering perennials. Here are some great ideas, from large to small, for you to consider…If you have a lot of space and want to create a meadow feel, plant large sweeps of ornamental grasses along with your flowering perennials and evergreens! This California garden designer incorporated drifts of grasses among other regionally appropriate plants to create a sumptuous feast for the eyes.

Say you’re not ready to take that huge of a plunge, or simply want to use a few grasses. Consider tucking in small numbers (3 or 5) of a smaller variety like Mexican feather grass (Nasella tenuissima) around a sprawling perennial like verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida). This is great for the front of your border, leaving room for your taller perennials in the back.

How about some grasses for the container gardener? I have a balcony, and this idea is perfect for those small spaces. Choose large pots with one center grass as a focal point, and then surround them with other sun-loving flowers for a perfect patio vignette. Be sure, however, to combine plants with the same water needs—some grasses are fairly drought tolerant and won’t appreciate being planted with thirsty impatiens!

Check with your favorite nursery or local county extension office for a list of regionally appropriate grasses to try in your area—you’ll be enchanted by their airiness and wonder what took you so long to fall in love with them!