ORNAMENTAL GRASSES AND BAMBOOS 



ERY effective and artistic results may be obtained by the use of these graceful and attrac- 

 tive plants, either informally, as with clumps or masses in connection with other planting, 

 or in formal beds or borders, where low varieties often stand in symmetrical arrangement 

 in the foreground of tall-growing species. Hedges of the Miscanthus grasses are very showy 

 and pleasing, especially in the garden, where, for example, it is often desirable to divide 

 one part from another during the growing season. Bamboos are noble subjects, and make 

 possible within their range of hardiness some of the most enchanting results. They are 

 extremely graceful and picturesque planted above streams or pools of water, or in clumps 

 on the borders of moist woodlands, where sufficient space may be allowed for the spreading 

 of their rampant subterranean root-stocks, which, when the plants become thoroughly 

 established, spread rapidly over a considerable area of ground. 



Arundo The Giant Reed 



A tall leafy species with stout stems and showy plumes, well adapted for lawn decoration 

 or for massing in formal beds. It is also valuable for waterside planting, producing^ striking results, 

 especially in connection with Typha and Phragmites, which, unlike the Arundo, thrive in wet ground or 

 shallow water. A deep loamy soil, well enriched, is best adapted to its welfare. 



Arundo donax. GIANT REED. A hardy, vigorous perennial, attaining a height of 10 to 15 feet. Native of Europe 

 and Asia. Leaves very long and broad, glaucous green, produced from the base almost to the top of the stems. 

 Plumes reddish brown, changing to silvery gray, a foot or more in length, long persistent, quite showy. 



A. donax variegata. VARIEGATED GIANT REED. Not so tall or so hardy as the typical form, 

 requiring some protection in cold climates. Leaves longitudinally striped with green and 

 creamy white. Very striking. 



Bamboos 



Including the genera Arundinaria, Bambusa and Phyllostachys 



Giant grasses with woody stems and usually evergreen foliage, 

 thriving in deep, loamy soils. While quite hardy in the Southern 

 States and California, many of the species, when grown in positions 

 sheltered from piercing winds, either in sun or partial shade, will 

 withstand depressions of temperature to the zero mark, or occasion- 

 ally even more, without injury to the vitality of their roots. These 

 admirable plants are truly objects of grace and beauty. The arching 

 stems and dainty branches, bending with a wealth of handsome 

 foliage, produce an enchanting effect. It is well to allow ample space 

 for the spread of the plants, as they are rampant growers when fully 

 established. In the early stages of their development a liberal 

 mulching with leaves and manure is very beneficial, preventing the 

 penetration of heat and cold to the roots, and conserving the mois- 

 ture. It usually requires a couple of years to establish a clump and 

 realize the vigor and hardiness which they possess. They are very 

 decorative when confined in tubs or pots, and valuable for furnishing 

 living-rooms or porches. 



103 



Bambusa palmata 

 (seepage 104) 



