Parks, Recreation & Leisure

Parks, Recreation & Leisure / Parks & Forestry

Landscaping Tips

Designing With Grasses In Shady Spaces
Regardless of the fact that the illustrious groundhog has seen his shadow, spring will be here before we know it. I am always glad to see longer days, which have already been extended by almost an hour and a half – one of the first steps toward spring.

I actually start planning for spring and the upcoming planting season before the New Year, an ideal time to plan for the coming year’s landscape changes.

An important first step to a successful healthy landscape is to analyze the site and determine whether it is sun or shade prior to selecting plants. Keep in mind that sun patterns change drastically throughout the year – a location that receives very little sun now may be in full sun in the summer. Similarly, an area by a deciduous tree may be in full sun now, but in full shade once the tree has leafed out.

If you have shade, think beyond the standard Impatiens and Hosta. There are many wonderful shade plants that combined can create an exciting color and texturally interesting shade garden. Varying textural elements especially in a shade garden where the colors are not as bold is very important.

Ornamental grasses are often considered a sun-loving group. Generally that is true however, a few species actually prefer full or half-day shade. So be sure to consider these options when planning your shade gardens.

The Genus Carex or the sedge family is comprised of over 1,000 species native to moist shady environments. Sedges come in a variety of colors, sizes, hardiness ranges, leaf widths, and growth habits.

Carex morrowii, ‘Ice Dance,’ is a low growing mat forming border grass, with creamy white variegation on the margins of the leaves. Carex should be cut back in the spring. However, certain evergreen Carex species should only be thinned out as needed in the spring.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Golden Variegated Hakon Grass) forms a mounded clump that grows 12-18” tall and is perfect for the border of any shade garden. Leaves are green and yellow striped, with the plant giving off an overall yellow weeping appearance. Hakon Grass will have the best coloration and even subtle streaks of red in the fall if planted where it gets some sun.

Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather Reed Grass) is an excellent species for vertical effect. It is one of the first to bloom, starting in June, with upright wheat-like inflorescences, and it grows to about four feet tall. Plants are sturdy and withstand ice, wind, and snow without falling apart. It grows best in the sun but can take partial shade.

Chasmanthium latifolium (Sea Oats) is another grass that will tolerate partial shade. The plant will achieve three feet in height, with attractive, oat-like panicles in the fall. Sea Oats spread readily by seed, which can easily be scratched out in the spring as they emerge.

Molinia caerulea ‘Skyracer’ (Moor Grass) is a unique grass with an airy loose appearance. The basal foliage grows to about three feet tall, with light, see-through flower panicles that extend about four feet above that. Plants perform best with at least a half-day sun and will turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall.

All of these ornamental grass species can be commonly found at local garden centers. However, garden centers typically won’t have ornamental grasses available until May, since many species are late to emerge.

The Parks & Forestry Division will be installing a new shade garden at the rear entrance to the Municipal Service Center on Kenny Road this spring. Stop by to see an example of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ that will be planted in front of the Service Center entry boulder.

2/05

Parks & Forestry Division
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, OH 43221
Phone: 614-583-5340