by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Ornamental Grasses
Full Sun
Low Water
Mature Size: 2’X 2’
Blooming Season: Fall
Color: Pink to red
Little bluestem is a key component of much of the prairie grassland throughout the West, where it goes unnoticed until late in the year when its strong color contrast of scarlet or pink leaves among the blond seed heads of other native grasses gives it the impact of a wash of wildflowers long after the growing season has ended. Easily grown from seed or plants, the slender upright clumps sway in the breeze.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Ornamental Grasses
Full Sun, Part Shade
Medium Water
Mature Size: 4’X 3’
Blooming Season: Summer
Flower Color: Hazy pink-purple
There are many named cultivars of Switchgrass, all variations on the theme of tall upright leaf blades crowned in late summer with a haze of lacy seed heads. The leaves may be green or blue green in summer, changing to a range of pinks and reds as temperatures cool and the days get shorter at the end of the growing season. Switchgrass can be grouped between evergreens or stand alone as an accent. Songbirds will love you for adding it to your garden.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Ornamental Grasses
Full Sun
Low Water
Mature Size: 24”X 24”
Plant this ornamental grass where a gentle breeze will sway it as the late afternoon sun shines through from behind. Stipa grows well in all kinds of soils and is very water thrifty once established. Good in wildflower gardens, this plant will readily reseed itself among its neighbors.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Turf
Full Sun
Medium Water
Mature Size: 3- 8”
This native prairie grass is an excellent replacement for water thirsty Kentucky Bluegrass. Buffalo Grass doesn’t tolerate a lot of shade, but when grown in a sunny location it forms a durable turf able to withstand moderate foot traffic, pests and diseases. It is a robust, sod forming species that spreads quickly with vigorous runners, creating an inviting soft blue green lawn. When dormant in late fall through spring it turns a soft beige color. Buffalo Grass requires minimal mowing and fertilizing once in spring. It’s a warm season grower perfectly adapted to central New Mexico. To stay green in the hot summer months, this grass needs only two inches of water per month! Buffalo Grass grows quickly. It can be planted using seed or “plugs” of starter plants. Seed should be sown in the spring or early summer; plugs can be planted in spring or in the fall, four to eight weeks before the first expected frost date. Once established, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn with drastically lower water bills for years to come. Buffalo Grass grows best on heavier soils. Use Blue Grama on sandy soils or mix Buffalo Grass and Blue Grama.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Turf
Full Sun
Low Water
Mature Size: 4-12”
Blue Grama is another warm season grass that thrives in New Mexico. Its thin pale green blades give a Blue Grama lawn a pleasing, fine texture. Its distinctive seed heads, which appear in mid to late summer, resemble tiny purplish eyelashes. Blue Grama thrives in hot microclimates, and it’s tough enough to survive subzero winter weather. It establishes most quickly in well drained soil. A dense lawn of Blue Grama will need watering only about once a week during the hottest summer months. Blue Grama establishes itself faster than Buffalo Grass, so the two species are often combined to quickly form a thick, drought-tolerant lawn.
