Cortaderia, Pampas grass
In the right setting, pampas grasses are excellent. Their curving foliage looks superb if contrasted with plants with very broad leaves such as bergenias. In late summer when the flowers bloom, they take centre stage. Pampas grass is untidy and it needs to be positioned where a period of scruffiness will not detract from it. It should not therefore be planted as a specimen on the lawn. Cortaderia is usually hardy.
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa'
This is the largest of the pampas grasses and grows to over 1.8m (6ft) tall with vast flowers. Each 'Monstrosa' panicle stretches to more than 60cm (2ft).
Arundo donax
The tall and bamboo-like Arundo donax can introduce a strong architectural element to displays. In a single season, it will grow more than 1.8m (6ft), but unfortunately cannot survive a hard winter.
Bog and meadow grasses
Teamed up with rushes or contrasted with bold foliage, bog grasses help to create a rich herbage. Reed meadow grass, or Glyceria maxima, is a popular form, especially G. maxima var. variegata, which has green and cream stripes, often with a dash of pink. The North American prairie cord grass, Spartina pectinata is bigger and bolder. The variety 'Aureomarginata' has blades edged with a thin gold line.
Eriophorum latifolium, Cotton grass
Britain's moorland native, Eriophorum latifolium or 'Cotton grass' is technically a sedge and is ideal for smaller water or bog gardens. It produces fluffy flowers that look like tufts of cotton wool in spring and early summer.
Miscanthus sinensis
This deciduous grass shoots dense clumps of foliage upwards in spring, reaching a height of about 1.2m (4ft) before erupting into a mass of feathery flowers. Even after flowering the plant continues to grow and can reach 2.4m (8ft). Miscanthus 'Silberfeder' is one of the best for flowers and M. sinensis 'Zebrinus' has gold or cream leaf markings. Try the tall Macleaya cordata to create a foliage contrast with nearby broad-leaf plants.
Panicum virgatum
A lush grass with broad, soft foliage and an upright habit. The showy flowers are held in big, loose panicles, well above the foliage. Panicums are unusually tolerant of both drought and wet conditions.
Helictotrichon sempervirens
This oat forms a dense, spiky blue-green tussock from which tall stems of flowers emerge during spring and summer. Alone, at a border's edge, this grass can provide drama without masking shorter plants that might grow behind it.
Stipa splendens, Spear grass
Tall plants that can be seen through are of great value in the border. The spear grass is as oat-like as Helictotrichon sempervirens, but half as tall. It has showy stems that exceed 2.1m (7ft) high and is sometimes called S. gigantea.
Briza maxima, Greater quaking grass
Members of the genus Briza, the quaking grasses, have stems so thin that they become almost invisible. Their heart-shaped flower-heads have a reflective quality and dance on their stems in the wind. Annual Briza maxima, with its striking blooms, is the most decorative of the three species in cultivation.
Hordeum jubatum and Lagurus ovatus
Try growing this feathery barley, Hordeum jubatum or the enchanting hare's tail, Lagurus ovatus. Both are as pretty dried green, and if picked young will look good in a vase throughout the winter.
Pennisetum villosum
This African perennial is a half-hardy variety, but is usually grown as an annual. The purplish-pink feathery flowers gradually turn paler as the seed is set. In warmer regions of Britain, Pennisetum often lines roadsides and is viewed by some as a weed. It is extremely effective when used in a mixed border.
Festuca glauca, Blue fescue
Ideal for the front of borders, Festuca glauca has needle-like leaves and creamy silver flowers. This grass will thrive if placed in a dry, sunny site.
Melica uniflora, Melick
Preferring gentle shade, Melick has loose tufts of foliage and open, sparse panicles of brown florets. Try 'Variegata' for its thin silver stripes, and plant in groups for the best impact.
Deschampsia cespitosa
For general border use, coloured forms of Deschampsia cespitosa such as 'Goldtau' are ideal. Varieties of this wavy hair grass will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions in sun to semi-shade.
Coix lacryma-jobi, Job's tears
Tender annual Coix lacryma-jobi has curious tear-shaped seeds which turn dusky mauve in autumn. It is a useful plant in the border.
Carex elata 'Aurea'
This golden sedge is also happy in water. Its vivid gold sprays are very effective when set with blue water forget-me-not.
Bouteloua gracilis, Mosquito grass
Tuft-forming Bouteloua gracilis is semi- evergreen and has odd flower-heads that are held horizontally. It is ideal for general border use.
Milium effusum 'Aureum'
Also known as Golden wood millet, this grass has golden leaves and does best in semi-shade where they will not burn. It is useful in most parts of the border.
Juncus effusus 'Spiralis', Corkscrew rush
The spiralling leaves of Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' make a good novelty plant and is ideal for use as a marginal plant near water.
Garden
Grasses
Bamboos