Grass matrix planting - The Spring grasses cutback….

Ornamental grass plantings are some of the easiest to maintain. But by the end of February, and after all the recent rain, they aren’t looking their best. Now is the time to cut them back. Cutting deciduous grasses back to the base and combing through evergreen grasses to take out old, dead growth. So that they can once again put on a show for the Spring and year to come.

Grass matrix planting is when ornamental grasses provide the base through which herbaceous plants are threaded. Reduced maintenance and a long season of interest are two of the primary benefits of gardens of this type. The grasses provide much needed textural, rather than floral, space throughout the growing season. Typically they will have a ‘hero’ moment where the seed heads are the attraction before dying back and providing sculptural interest in the winter. In combination with complementary herbaceous planting and bulbs they provide a wonderful backdrop to a series of moments throughout the year.

Once they have established themselves the grasses act as a good ground cover. Especially when combined with a good layer of mulch they suppress weeds for most of the year and can basically be left alone. This is the one time of year that they need a bit of attention. Cutting them back to get rid of the old - and allow the new to grow. On a larger scale either a strimmer or hedge trimmer can be helpful (and you can leave the trimmings as a mulch) . However, for smaller gardens I find that a good pair of secateurs is more than enough. It is very satisfying - when you can find a sunny day in between the recent unending rain - and gets everything ready for the year to come.