Last year I was driving around Cape Cod and passed by this house where their ornamental grasses had been decorated for the holidays. Of course I love the way dried grasses look when left natural in the fall, but the artist in me saw the potential in those Miscanthus with bows, and this fall I decided to have some similar fun in my own landscape.
This was the house that inspired me to play with my grasses.
I went into my gardens with bark-covered wire, twine, assorted ribbons and the idea that anything goes!
First I tied up a Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ and added a sparkly bow.
Next I braided a group of three Panicum virgatum. These looked whimsical enough that I decided that they didn’t need colorful ribbons. I can see that these could be made into fantasy animals or woody figures. Who needs a snowman when you can have a grassman?
A twig bow was appropriate, however, and added to the whimsy.
Finally, I took some net ribbon and wound up three Miscanthus. I can see other possibilities here…red “candy cane” type ribbons spiraling up, or trimmed, topairy tops.
Next week I might do something with the Hakon grass in the perennial bed….
If you decide to play with your ornamental grasses this holiday season, send me a photo!
