ANY of the Miscanthus sinensis cultivars will grow for you in full sun, as will Panicum and Calamagrostis and likely most Pennisteums as well. A good selection of these should provide a range of colors throughout the season, but "color" in OG's is a relative term - don't expect the intensity of color you would with flowering plants. OG's are much more subtle in their coloration.

I'd be concerned about their watering situation. The frequency of lawn irrigation is too much for most OG's, which prefer drier conditions, although rushes and sedges may work well under these conditions but don't offer the same degree of wow factor as the others previously listed. And I'd avoid landscape fabric - it is a waste of time and money and doesn't provide the weed supression you'd hope. I don't care for lava rock personally, but a rock or gravel mulch IS attractive around an exclusive planting of OG's.

If you can, take a drive to Walla Walla and visit Northwest Ornamental Grasses. They are one of the largest growers of OG's of anywhere in the PNW. I believe they are primarily wholesale, but I'm sure they will provide you with a local vendor as well as a huge list of suggestions. It's a little early for much impact from their display gardens, though.

Thank you so much for your advice - I am reading the chart correctly? - East Spokane area is Zone 6? It seems some of the recomended plants dont jive with the climate. Would purchasing a 3 inch pot size ornamental grass give us much this growing season? Due to the concept of wanting several different specimen plants we have been told to place them each in a 10 inch plastic container - cut the bottom out & then plant in ground to prevent spreading. Feasable? We had Pampas Grass when we lived in the Seattle area - we are looking @ purchasing another one for here to give our planting area one large "pop". Will it grow well in Zone 6? We dont see many in Spokane but again this city appears to be a bit old fashioned & conservative in their landscaping plantings. Does the pink variety grow as easily? Are there any grasses that would give some type of color year around for this area? After reading your advice we are definitely concerned about the over watering possibility. However I had pots sitting out our first summer here last year & even though the irrigation system would hit them in the early morning hours 3 times a week - I would still have to water once if not twice each day - the soil seems to dry out very quickly in our location. Our beds are close to the house - could the reflection & the facing west help to provide more draught like conditions? When would be the soonest you would suggest to start planting for our zone? We travel to Walla Walla for our family Asparagus harvest - we will definitely check NW Ornamental Grasses out. Thank you again..............