As anyone who has ever tried their hand at gardening knows, not all plants are created equal. Some are simply better suited to ornamental purposes than others. If you’re looking to add a little bit of extra flair to your garden or landscape design, then check out this list of the 10 best ornamental plants.
Table of Contents
Ornamental Plants of Gardening and Landscape Design
Ornamental plants are those that are grown for their decorative value rather than their usefulness. Many people think of ornamental plants as being flowers, but there are actually many different types of plants that can be used to add beauty to a garden or landscape.
Some ornamental plants are used for their foliage, such as hostas and ferns. Others are grown for their bark, like dogwoods and paperbirches. And still others are grown for their fruit, like crabapples and hollies.
No matter what type of plant you are looking for, there is sure to be an ornamental variety that will suit your needs. And with so many different types of ornamental plants available, the possibilities for creating a beautiful garden or landscape are endless!
The Plant Lover’s Guide to Ornamental Grasses
The Plant Lover’s Guide to Ornamental Grasses is an excellent reference for those interested in adding these beautiful and versatile plants to their landscape. The book is packed with information on the different types of ornamental grasses, their care and maintenance, and how to use them in the landscape.
The author, Scott D. Appell, is a horticulturist and landscape designer with over 25 years of experience. He has written several books on landscaping and gardening, and his passion for ornamental grasses is evident on every page. This book is a must-have for anyone considering adding these wonderful plants to their home landscape.
Ornamental Grasses for the Garden
Ornamental grasses are a great addition to any garden. They provide texture, movement, and interest all year long. There are many different types of ornamental grasses to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your garden.
Ornamental grasses are easy to care for and require very little maintenance. They are drought tolerant and can even handle being trampled on. This makes them perfect for areas that get a lot of foot traffic or for those who don’t have time to baby their plants.
One of the best things about ornamental grasses is that they come in a variety of colors and sizes. You can find ones that are tall and slender, or short and wide. There are also variegated varieties that have multiple colors in one plant. This gives you a lot of options when it comes to choosing the right plant for your garden.
Ornamental grasses are a great way to add texture and interest to your garden. They are easy to care for and come in a variety of colors and sizes. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect plant for your garden.
Designing with Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a versatile and attractive addition to any landscape design. They come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, and can be used to create interesting visual interest in any space. Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and easy to care for, making them a great choice for busy homeowners or anyone who wants a beautiful yard without a lot of work.
When selecting ornamental grasses for your landscape, consider the size and shape of the plants, as well as the color and texture of the leaves. You’ll also want to think about how the grass will look when it’s in bloom. Some varieties of ornamental grass produce flowers that are very showy, while others simply have pretty leaves or interesting seed heads.
One of the great things about ornamental grasses is that they can be used in a variety of ways in your landscape. They can be planted as standalone specimens or grouped together in masses. They make great border plants and can even be used as groundcover. When using ornamental grasses in your landscape design, be sure to give them enough room to spread out and grow. Most varieties will reach their full size in just a few years, so don’t plant them too close together.
Ornamental grasses are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will need some supplemental water during prolonged dry periods. Be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering and only give the plants enough water to keep them from wilting. Fertilizing isn’t necessary for most ornamental grasses, but you may want to give them a light feeding in early spring to encourage new growth.
Ornamental grasses are generally very hardy and easy to care for, but there are a few things you should know to keep them looking their best. First, never cut back more than one-third of the plant’s height at one time. This can shock the plant and cause it to produce fewer leaves or flowers. Second, avoid using herbicides or pesticides on your ornamental grasses, as these can damage the plants. If you do need to use these products, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
With just a little care, ornamental grasses can provide years of beauty in your landscape. These versatile plants offer something for everyone, from those who want low-maintenance landscaping to those who want something a little more unusual. With so many different types of ornamental grasses available, it’s easy to find ones that will suit your taste and needs.
Planting: A New Perspective
When it comes to planting, there is more than meets the eye. Planting: A New Perspective is a book that explores the world of plants and gardening in a new light. The book offers readers a different take on plant life, and how we can interact with them in our own gardens.
The book starts off by exploring the history of planting, and how our understanding of plants has changed over time. It then looks at the different types of plants that are out there, and how they can be used in our own gardens. The author also discusses the importance of soil health, and how we can help to improve it.
Throughout the book, the author offers up new ideas and perspectives on planting. He challenges readers to think outside of the box, and to consider plants in a new light. This is an excellent book for gardeners of all levels of experience, as it offers something new for everyone.
The Dry Garden
The Dry Garden is a beautifully written and photographed book about the author’s experiences creating a dry garden in her backyard. The book covers everything from choosing the right plants, to preparing the soil, to watering and maintenance. The author provides helpful tips and advice throughout, and the book is packed with beautiful photos of dry gardens from around the world.
If you’re thinking about creating a dry garden, or even if you’re just curious about this type of gardening, The Dry Garden is a great place to start.
Planting Design: A New York Gardener’s Handbook
As someone who loves to garden, I was excited to receive this book as a gift. Planting Design: A New York Gardener’s Handbook is a beautifully illustrated guide that covers a wide range of topics related to gardening in New York City. The book begins with an overview of the city’s climate and soil conditions, as well as tips on how to select the right plants for your garden. It then covers various aspects of garden design, including choosing the right location, layout, and plantings for your space. The book also includes a section on maintenance and care, which is particularly helpful for those of us who are not professional gardeners. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone interested in gardening in New York City.
The New Planting Scheme for Your Garden
The New Planting Scheme for Your Garden is an excellent book for gardeners of all levels of experience. It covers everything from choosing the right plants for your garden, to preparing the soil, to planting and caring for your plants. The author, Alan Titchmarsh, is a well-known gardening expert, and his advice is clear and easy to follow.
The book starts with a section on choosing the right plants for your garden. Titchmarsh gives advice on what to consider when selecting plants, such as their height, spread, flower colour and whether they are suitable for your particular climate. He also includes a helpful plant hardiness zone map, so you can see at a glance which plants will be suitable for growing in your area.
Once you have chosen your plants, the next step is to prepare the soil. Titchmarsh gives detailed instructions on how to do this, including how to test the pH of your soil and how to add organic matter. He also explains why it is important to dig over your soil regularly, and how to do it correctly.
After the soil is prepared, it’s time to start planting! Titchmarsh gives clear instructions on how to plant different types of plants, including bulbs, annuals and perennials. He also includes information on how to water and fertilize your plants, and how to deal with pests and diseases.
The final section of the book covers plant care. Titchmarsh provides advice on pruning, deadheading and dividing plants. He also includes a chapter on bringing plants indoors for winter, so you can enjoy them all year round.
The New Planting Scheme for Your Garden is an essential guide for anyone who wants to create a beautiful garden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll find plenty of useful tips and advice in this book.
Planting: The Modern English Kitchen Garden
If you’re looking for a modern take on the kitchen garden, Planting: The Modern English Kitchen Garden is a great choice. This book provides detailed instructions on how to plan and plant your own kitchen garden, as well as tips on how to care for it. There are also recipes included for using the produce you grow.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, Planting: The Modern English Kitchen Garden is a great resource. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to get started, and the tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your garden.
The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition: A Master’s Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener
In his classic work, Eliot Coleman once again proves why he is the preeminent voice of organic farming. The New Organic Grower, 3rd Edition is a master’s manual of tools and techniques for the home and market gardener. Coleman draws on his decades of experience to provide readers with step-by-step instructions on everything from starting seeds to extending the growing season. This new edition is updated with the latest information on organic practices and includes new chapters on topics such as year-round production and crop rotation. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, The New Organic Grower will be an indispensable resource for anyone interested in organic gardening.