Plant Basics

Warm season grasses are those that mature and go to seed during the warm seasons of the year, i.e., summer into early fall. Two dominant grasses in tallgrass prairie are big bluestem and Indian...

Ornamental grasses have become very popular in home landscaping. They can be used as fillers mixed with other plants or can stand alone in containers. Smaller ones make a handsome border and...

Wheat grass is full of vitamins and minerals, and has a reputation for curing and preventing disease. While there is a debate on just how healthy wheat grass really is, there is no denying that it...

Blue fescue is an ornamental grass with stunning blue gray foliage. It can grow to a height of 6 to 18 inches and grows well in USDA zones from 4a to 10b. Blue fescue produces white blooms in late...

Grass can invade your perennial beds no matter what steps you take to prevent it. Proper soil preparation, solid bed edging and even weedcloth do not seem to deter crabgrass, Bermuda grass and...

Zoysia grass is a genus of grasses that was named after the 1700s scientist Karl von Zois. Zoysia grass species can be found across eastern and southeastern Asia and Australasia.

Ornamental grasses include a wide variety of plants that suit a wide variety of needs in the garden. From small accents to large privacy screens, these plants are utilized in almost every fashion...

Orchardgrass is a perennial tall-growing type of grass that grows in shade or sun. Orchardgrass grows rapidly, is very hearty and can grow in various types of soil conditions. If Orchardgrass is...

Known as Bermuda grass, Cynodon dactylon can be one of the more unsightly spreading grasses gardeners have to handle. Growing aggressively, this weedy grass wilts early in the winter causing...

Certain types of grasses have gained notoriety as weeds, overtaking lawns, roadsides and fields. Some have familiar names while other types are visible every day in certain parts of the country...

Ornamental grasses lend beauty to the garden with their foliage and seed plumes. They also are well suited for container culture. Matching the growing requirements of a grass with the...

Classified as grass, bamboo sprouts easily and requires minimal care with species that thrive without soil. As a renewable resource, it is used for food, architectural material and fencing to name...

Growing grass in a fully shady area of your property can be difficult. If the soil also has a little sand mixed into it, growing grass there may be even more of a challenge. The secret to lush...

Japanese gardens are unique, peaceful environments full of gorgeous, lush plants and flowers. A Japanese garden requires a variety of plants in order to achieve a Zen-like atmosphere.

Bermuda grass (cynodon dactylon), also called wire grass, is a hardy, fast-growing grass that originated in Africa. It is characterized by short, gray-green blades and purple, spiky flowers.

Sea grass is a general name for species of angiosperms, or flowering plants, which are capable of living underwater. Sea grasses play an important role in marine ecosystems and coastal economies.

Bamboo is one of the most versatile wood producing plants on earth. Technically, it is a type of fast growing grass that is commonly mistaken for a tree. Animals first used the plant as a major...

Lemon grass is a lemon-scented herb that that is a tall, grassy plant. Native to India, it is widely used to add flavor to Thai food and other Asian cuisine. However, lemon grass also has a...

A blackberry plant is a broadleaf vining weed that can quickly take over poorly maintained areas. While some people may enjoy having fresh blackberries on their property, others find the plants to...

Citronella is a tropical grass also known as nard grass. Originally from Asia, its oil is commonly used as a mosquito repellent. When purchasing this plant, look for its true name, of either...

Seagrass is a vital part of the ecosystem. It provides homes and food for many marine animals and waterfowl. Seagrass rhizomes---which resemble bulbs and from which the plants and roots grow---and...

Pampas grass is a perennial that grows in clumps that are 8 to 10 feet high, with lofty plumes of white to pink. Although invasive in some areas, pampas grass is coveted for its impressive...

Pampas grass is an ornamental grass frequently grown in Southern gardens. However, it's hardy in most areas of the United States and will thrive in any rich soil. During the flowering season,...

We've all heard of the health benefits of "green foods." Barley grass is considered to be in that category, and juicing barley grass is the typical way to consume this super food full of...

Ornamental grasses create a graceful statement in the garden. They sway in the breezes and add a soothing element of motion. Coming in a variety of sizes, textures and colors, grasses can be...

Although vastly unlike the types of grass most people are used to seeing, bamboo is indeed a large grass plant. Well known for being the food of choice for many a panda bear, bamboo is grown in...

Ornamental grass is beautiful and it is easy to maintain in your landscape. With time, ornamental grass can begin to thin out in the center. When this happens, it is best to split the grass. ...

Learn how to add leaves and grass to compost heaps or compost bins in this free video clip on composting.

Learn how to plant and care for zebra grass in this series of greenthumb gardening videos from our year-around garden expert.