The Ornamental Grass Collection at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is marking its 25th anniversary this year with a series of "open houses" in the collection. They are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, July 12, 1–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 21, 1–4 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 18, 3–6 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 10, 1–6 p.m.
On these special days, the public is invited to stop by the collection on Three-Mile Drive and visit with Dr. Mary Meyer, professor and manager of the collection, and others. They also can vote for their favorite grass, get ideas for using grasses in their own gardens, receive a free poster on native grasses and simply enjoy the beauty of this impressive collection.
The Ornamental Grass Collection at the Arboretum includes more than 200 different ornamental and native grasses and is one of the largest in the U.S. In this research collection, the grasses are evaluated for winter survival, flowering time, self-seeding, invasiveness and winter interest. Since the initial planting in 1987, about half of the original grasses, sedges and rushes have proven hardy.
Ornamental grasses are great plants for low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes. They lend interest and structure to home and business landscapes while also helping reduce stormwater runoff.
Information courtesy of Barb DeGroot
