I’ve jumped on the grass bandwagon and planted several varieties in my garden in the last few years.
The "See-through" effect
Grass makes an extraordinary vertical statement in the landscape. Even on a seemingly calm day, grass still seems to be in motion. I use grasses as textural elements in some parts of my yard. Planted next to bold leafed hostas or fancy leafed ferns, the contrast intensifies the appearance of the other. Swaths of tall Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ and Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ act as “see through” plants. . Pennisetum orientale ‘Karley Rose’ adds color, movement, texture….
Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster'
But, I’ve never been impressed with the appearance of most grasses in snow-laden areas like Maine. I know that some grasses like Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ have the ability to remain standing in defiance of snow. But, most grasses are wimps when the snow comes to Maine. They’re leaning this way and that – looking most undignified.
I’ve found a way to give some grasses a bit more stamina when the snow falls. No longer are they flopped all over my yard like a bunch of drunken sailors.
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'. Ready for winter.
Here’s a simple trick to make grasses stand up and pay attention.
I remember seeing images of peasants gathering sheaves of wheat into bundles for harvest. Entire fields were bundled for easier handling. It was a way of keeping the heavy heads of mature wheat from being blown down and getting wet. In fact, many areas of the world that lack modern harvesting machinery still do this. I always loved those scenes. I could do the same thing to my grasses!
Close-up of tied grass
I take about a three foot long piece of bailing twine, jute or sisal and tie a loop at one end. Then, with the loop in one hand, I kneel in front of the grasses and gather entire arm-full of grass. I grab the rope with the other hand, wrap the rope around the bundle and pass the rope through the loop. As I continue to pull the rope tight, the grass bundle draws together and forms a self-standing cone. I wrap the extra rope around the bundle and then tie a knot. Voila!!!
It’s beautiful, it durable, and it gets attention. It’s now a sculpture that will last all winter.
Panicum virgatum 'Heavy Metal'
I believe that spring time is the best time for Sempervivum – otherwise known as “Hens and Chicks”. They are available in a wide variety of textures and colors. I’ve been collecting them for about 7 years.
The last several years, I have been saving seed from the Sempervivum flowers and starting my own plants. I start the plants in late winter by spreading the dust-like seeds over damp potting soil, covering the pot with a plastic bag and then putting the whole thing in the garage so that it can go through a cold period for about a month. When I bring the pot in, it goes in the cellar under lights. Within days, specks of green start to appear. As soon as warmer days start, I put the pots outside. By late summer, I have baby Sempervivum that are about the size of a quarter. In the last few years, I have started to have some interesting hybrids.
I may never have varieties that are spectacular enough to be marketed or named…..but I have enjoyed the pleasure of seeing what happens when I start a seed.
I remember the names of some of the varieties that I bought and some, I must look up. One of the things that I don’t like in my garden, is the appearance of labels and markers. I want the eye to see the plant and not be distracted by labels. I can see that a nursery or a botanical garden wants things well identified but I don’t think it looks nice in a home garden. 
ump got bigger. The crocus continue to expand every year.
