Parade of Homes featuring the best of new homes in Manitoba, Canada
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1454682
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing ornamental grasses is to determine their growth patterns. Some beautiful ornamental grasses grow faster than others, meaning they can quickly outgrow the area you have designated for them. One of Hrycyna's favourite ornamental grasses is Miscanthus, which is sometimes called flame grass. It produces a colourful, late-season seed head that will continue to look good well into the winter. Another popular decorative grass is Karl Foerster or Calamagrostis grass. It's a feathered reed grass that can grow to be four or five feet tall and is extremely hardy. It's often used in commercial landscaping because of its ability to adapt to its environment, Hrycyna says. Blue oat grass is another attractive choice because it can add a cool look to the yard. One of the most popular wildflowers is the aster. McDonald is a big fan of the Upland white aster, which produces a mass of bright white flowers from late August through September. It's ideal for dry and sandy soil and is great for attracting birds and butterflies. Goldenrods are another pollinator- and people- pleaser. McDonald recommends the grey goldenrod, an early bloomer that produces striking flowers that attract butterflies and provide an important food source for birds. She also gives top marks to the Rough False sunflower, which puts on a spectacular show for up to eight weeks, and the giant hyssop, which produces a vibrant purple flower that can be used to brew a flavourful licorice-tasting tea. One final bit of advice from Hrycyna. She says when it comes to planning your landscaping, don't just think about the here and now. Consider how you might use your yard a few years down the road. Many low-maintenance perennials can easily be harvested and moved elsewhere if you decide you want more lawn-space later on. "If you are eventually going to have children or pets in your backyard, grass is a very friendly aspect … where kids can play and pets can just be." WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING YOUR LANDSCAPING, DON'T JUST THINK ABOUT THE HERE AND NOW. GOING AU NATUREL — Cont'd from page 111 POH 112 Parade of Homes SPRING 2022