Grasses can work as a hedge, focal plants, textural elements in a walkway or beautiful contrasts to existing structures. There are a host of grasses to choose from, some perennial and some annual, from purple to pink to white to green.

When designing with plants, color and form are the utmost considerations, after climate and growing conditions. Get inspired for a patch of waving grasses for your own yard from the range of textures and color in these gardens.

Browse photos of landscape designs Randy Thueme Design Inc. - Landscape Architecture Ornamental grasses are a somewhat acquired taste, and not everyone is a fan. However, they are a beautiful source of texture in the garden and offer a wide range of choices. Even if you don't like ornamental grasses, how could you not run your fingers along the edges of this Japanese silver grass as you walk down this path? debora carl landscape design This bench seems perfectly situated in a field of waving grass. Afloat in a field of wispiness, the strong lines of the bench contrast nicely. Kathleen Shaeffer Design, Exterior Spaces Situating stronger plantings in the midst of a field of grass gives the illusion of floating trees. When the wind blows, the grasses dance around the tree trunks, tickling their feet. Zack|de Vito Architecture + Construction Here, grasses are planted in bands of color with a lighter Mexican feather grass on the inside and a deeper green on the exterior. Situated at the bottom of a long stairway, the grasses look like a pool of water rippling in the breeze. Blasen Landscape Architecture In this example, the long plumes bending over under their own weight evoke the look of a horse's mane and just beg to be touched! The curved line of the grasses is an excellent contrast to the straight, bold lines of the building behind. The Garden Consultants, Inc. This building's design also contrasts with the surrounding plantings of grasses. The sharp lines are lightened by the waving grasses and the round canopy of the trees. Christopher Yates Landscape Architecture Forgoing a lawn for a planting of short ornamental grasses is an excellent way to maintain a horizontal plane of green without weekly maintenance. Some ornamental grasses are strong enough to walk on, so research before you purchase based on your activity needs. Arterra Landscape Architects Situating a clump of ornamental grass along a pathway is a wonderful way to experience the texture of the stalks and the plume. Allowing the grasses to lean over into a walkway gives the walker an even more visceral experience. Just be careful which grasses you choose. Some can have very sharp blades and would not be pleasant to walk near! Shirley Bovshow Some of my favorite ornamental grasses are the pink pampas and switchgrasses. The bright, wispy plumes of pink scream girlishness without the high maintenance of roses and delphiniums.

Before you purchase grass plants or seed, make sure you check your state's invasive plant listings. Some ornamental grasses are considered noxious weeds in some parts of the country. Grounded - Richard Risner RLA, ASLA Grasses can work as a hedge, focal plants, textural elements in a walkway or beautiful contrasts to existing structures. There are a host of grasses to choose from, some perennial and some annual, from purple to pink to white to green. When making your selections, be sure to consider climate, maintenance and growing conditions and avoid species that can be invasive in your area.

What kinds of ornamental grasses do you have in your landscape?