From a quick google, your 'red head' is hardy only to zone 6.

It is advised do not cut down grass until spring, just before green growth. The stalks left uncut over winter help protect the grass from the cold.

I have a feeling you'll need to replace your grass.

For suggestions, is pennisetum the type/ size/shape of grass that you are going for? I have Cassian and like it. Here's a pic from August 2015:

Thanks so much, dgregory. I might try the Cassian you've suggested. I'm pretty sure my asters & mums didn't make it either (picture below is last fall) -- so this space is going to have a makeover!

Very pretty!

A suggestion for color to replace the mums and asters is 'Grape Lollipop' phlox. Grows 18-22" tall and flowers summer into fall.

Gorgeous! Do you know how the rabbits like the lollipops? We...er...have rabbits (who ate the asters).