Choosing Grasses

Wet Site Grasses

Grasses for rain gardens, pond edges and damp soil.

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Ornamental Grasses for Wet Areas and Soggy Soil

Which ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes cope with wet areas and soggy soil, how to match them to how wet your site is, and which ones to avoid.

7 min read

Best Grasses for Rain Gardens

Choose grasses and sedges for each zone of a rain garden, from the soggy bottom to the dry edge, plus maintenance and mosquito questions answered.

4 min read

Ornamental Grasses and Rushes for Pond Edges and Water Gardens

Choose ornamental grasses, sedges and rushes for pond edges and water gardens, with planting depths, container tips and plants to avoid or contain.

4 min read

Ornamental Grasses That Thrive in Heavy Clay Soil

Which ornamental grasses handle heavy clay, which ones struggle, and how to plant and care for them so they establish without sitting in waterlogged soil.

4 min read

Perennial Grasses for Erosion Control on Slopes and Banks

Which perennial grasses and sedges hold soil on slopes, banks and ditches, how to plant them so they establish, and when to call a professional.

5 min read

What is the 70/30 rule in gardening?

The 70/30 rule in gardening usually means 70 percent reliable structure plants and 30 percent seasonal accents. See where it comes from and how to use it.

3 min read

What type of grass tolerates both drought and full sun?

Tall fescue, Bermuda and zoysia suit lawns, while little bluestem, sideoats grama and switchgrass suit gardens. See which handles drought and full sun.

4 min read

More in choosing grasses

Grass Types The main kinds of ornamental grass and how they differ. Grasses by Zone Grasses that thrive in your hardiness zone. Shade Grasses Grasses and grass-like plants for shady spots. Dry Sun Grasses Tough grasses for hot, dry, sunny beds.