Just getting started Questions.

21 years ago

Hello, I am interested in starting to plant OGs and I have some questions.

Where is a good mail order source? I got to the BIG BOX stores and they always just have the same old stuff that everyone has plus the descriptions are horrible so I am not sure how tall something will get. I'm looking for grassess to do 3 things.

first

I would like to use Ornimental garsses to keep my lawn matainance to a minimum. I have a privacy fence along a drainage ditch. This area is too narrow to mow but I thought some Nice OGs would look good and keep down the weeds. I think a nice tall grass would be good here

second

Also I would like some nice OG to line my driveway nothing too tall here though.

third

I am trying to get a tropical jungle look in my backyard and I thought some wild looking OG would help out. Currently I have some bamboo and bananas.

I would like to find grassess that are more unique than what Home Depot and Lowes carry..

Currently the only OG I have is 1 pampas grass and 1 purple fountain grass..

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated...

Oh yeah I'm all for growing from seed too since my budget is small...

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Comments (3)

rleibman
21 years ago
I'm just starting myself. I'm planting a good chunk of my 1/2 acre with many types of grasses starting from seed. I've been getting seeds online from all over:
- ebay
- swallowtailgardenseeds.com
- hardyplants.com
- penyaseeds.com
- outsidepride.com
- http://www.edirectory.co.uk/chilternseeds/pages/banner.asp?companyid=211
- www.seedhunt.com

So far almost everything is sprouting. Here are a few tips:

- Buy good seeding soil.
- I bought a sprayer (like you use to spray roundup) and fill it with water and a diluted solution of fertilizer and hormones, very easy to water the seedlings this way.
- Many people (especially in ebay) will sell you ridiculous things like 25 seeds. 25 seeds of ornamental grass won't get you very far.
- Don't plant only one seed per "cup". These are grasses, you want tufts. Many seeds!
- Make sure pampas grass is NOT invasive in your area (it is in mine). I actually bought some seeds of a dwarf variety that I'd love to try, but can't.
- Read every message in this forum. Tons of stuff
- see also Davesgarden.com

But like I said, I'm new at this myself.

Enjoy
joefalco
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for the info. I checked out the sites. I will be going the seed route for sure since it will be expensive to get as many plants as I am going to need.

I am in Zone 8 Pampas grass is everywhere here, but I don't know if it grows wildly invasive. I think it is planted for the most part.

I started gardening last year and I get frustrated not knowing what to plant and where. I hope it all comes together someday.

I would love to get rid of 80% OF THE lawn and have perenials and ornimental grasses.
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pezhead
21 years ago
1. Along the fence: Karl Forester's Feather Reed Grass might look nice planted in a sweep. Give enough room for air circulation between fence and grasses. Morning Light Miscanthus is another excellent choice.

2. Pennesetum Alopecuroides looks beautiful lining a drive. Pennesetum Orientale is another lovely choice for a row planting -- alternate the 2 for nice effect. Interplant bulbs for spring interest.

3. Miscanthus 'Giganteus' is very tropical looking and will top out near 10 feet if given adequate sun and moisture. Ravennae Grass is another possibility for a large grass, Giant Stipa is amazing in bloom. Big rocks look great mixed in.