If someone told you they were going to create a garden almost entirely out of ornamental grasses you might think, “How boring!” But when you look at this garden designed by Barbara Weirich in Benton Harbor, Michigan you quickly realize that you would be wrong. With strategically placed garden art and a few bold-leaved companions this small patch is able to look good from mid-spring all the way through the epics snowfalls experienced in this lakeside location.
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Comments
This is a fascinating study in texture and shape. I'm sure this is stunning, even in the snow. The fallen branch works so well, and the very vertical fence juxtaposes really nicely. I'd love to see this in person. Thanks for sharing!
The older I get, I am having to replace low growing perennials with shrubs & grasses. Just too difficult to get on the ground anymore. Love how those grasses look.
I agree with Jay that this is a fascinating study in texture and shape. The interjection of color, both strong (maroon reds of the red-leaf hibiscus and purple-leafed sand cherry) and soft (grey/brown of the privacy fence and driftwood) among the greens, tans and purples of the grasses only adds to the effect. Thanks to postings like this one, I am now beginning to introduce grasses into my landscape. To see this one in person, would be a treat and a learning experience.
I would imagine that this is a very soothing garden to see in person because the colors blend so beautifully and, most often, the movement of the grasses would be gentle and lulling...almost hypnotic...in the best possible way. On those occasions when Mother Nature whips up a good wind and the grasses wave about more energetically, there is usually still harmony in the back and forth. The inclusion of that sensuously shaped piece of driftwood is pure inspiration...love it!
Right now, it is a rainy windy day and as I sit at the kitchen table and look out my window, my eyes are constantly drawn to a now buff colored good sized clump of muhly grass and its movement is infinitely pleasing. For some reason, my panicums and miscanthus are still but the muhly is in full dance mode.
Love ornamental grasses! Beautiful serene garden nice job.
Well played. In my mind, this should be an overwhelming, monotonous texture, but between the hardscaping, well-placed foils and great diversity, it is beautiful. I bet it is hypnotic in the soft breeze of a summer evening.
Very beautiful grass garden. Love the falling tree sculpture. Thanks for sharing.
I love these pictures and this garden. I've come back a second time to look at these pictures, and they are even more awesome the second time through as I see the complexity of the textures and contrasts with the hardscaping. How does one begin to figure out placement of these beautiful plants, each one highlighting synchronies and differences with their neighbors. If I tried, it would just look like a hot mess! I'm glad there are those who know how to do it right - perhaps we can just learn by looking at more of these. Thanks so much for posting.
Your grasses are heavenly! I can just imagine the breeze wafting through. Loving those screens as well. Beautiful!
Fabulous!
I love each and every vignette featured in Barbara's design. It's a perfect garden in every way.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
This is truly beautiful!
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