Grass expert and nurseryman John Greenlee explains how to grow grasses in containers. Your containers needn't be fancy. All you need to create a miniature prairie in an urban setting is some imagination, potting soil, ornamental grasses and a used rubber tire. Line the tire with landscape fabric or recycled widow screen so the soil won't wash out. Then fill the void in the tire with potting soil or compost. Before you add plants, make sure all those growing together have the same requirements for sunshine and water. Here's a short list of suggested plants: The genus Carex (sedge) includes 1,500 species of grasslike plants. Most sedges occur naturally in bogs, damp woodlands or by water and prefer a moist soil. Sedges appreciate midday shade in the hottest climates. Bulrush (Scirpus) is closely related to sedge, with the same cultural requirements. Bulrush is native to wetlands. Red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), a tall perennial with finely toothed grassy foliage and bright flowers of orange-red or yellow, requires good drainage and full sun or partial shade. Red-hot poker is native to southern and tropical Africa. To add interest and texture, John planted mint (Mentha) near the outer rim of the tire. Mint is a perennial and requires plenty of water and full sun. Once the plants are in place, fill in with soil, stopping a few inches below the rim to permit easier watering. Give the new container garden a good soaking.
GUESTS :
John Greenlee
Author of The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses
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