Beach Grass Landscaping

Landscape designs today showcase low-maintenance, eco-friendly sustainability. American beach grass fits this trend admirably. Gone are the neatly manicured lawns of the past. Tradition in landscaping is being rebuilt from formal to informal. The natural look, especially with the emphasis on native plants, is in favor. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, native grasses help preserve our natural diversity. Not only is it a popular trend, eco-chic landscaping is a wise choice.

American beach grass is native to the Atlantic coast, but it will grow inland in coarse, sandy soil. According to the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, it is tolerant of intense heat and drying winds. Used to stabilize eroding sandy soil along the coastline, this tough, erect perennial is also suited to the part ornamental grasses play in landscaping today. Sea oats, similar to beach grass in growth habits, grows to heights of about 5 feet. Beach grass sets its limits at about 3 feet, but both grasses serve the same purpose. Companion plants, such as beach vitex, a low growing, sprawling shrub with velvety leaves, complement the texture and structure of the tough beach grasses. Keep in mind it is illegal to remove or prune some species of native plants. All three mentioned here are available at licensed nurseries.

Mass or group planting techniques take full advantage of sustainable landscape design using native grasses and other minimal maintenance plants. Breaking up large areas that in the past would have been devoted to lawn creates manageable-size spaces for combining more interesting plant selections. Beach grass, along with other drought-tolerant plants and shrubs of various heights and structure, creates balance and unity in group plantings. One large shrub or taller variety of native grass can be used as a focal point for this grouping. Consider the pomegranate, a small tree of a sprawling, multitrunked nature. According to the Guzman's Garden Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the drought-tolerant pomegranate is an excellent choice.

For a casual and natural look use pebbles, or gravel among the grasses and plants in mass-planted beds. These rock materials make excellent pathways as well. According to the University of California at Davis, the use of gravel prevents standing water in pathways or low areas. Perforated landscape fabric is available to prevent an invasion of weeds from forcing its way up through the gravel. Edge the beds with pieces of driftwood or rocks. Accent your beds with a larger chunk of driftwood of interesting shape, or a particularly large shell, perfect companions for the beach grass theme you have chosen. A large rock or a group of rocks of various sizes can also add interest.

As well as beach grass, many flowers and shrubs grow along the beaches, but before planting any of these choices in your garden, work compost into the soil. According to the University of Massachusetts Extension, compost or peat moss help the sandy soil to hold nutrients. The threadleaf coreopsis, or tickseed, is a good companion plant for beach grasses. Its yellow, daisy-like flowers are a bright touch in an otherwise monotonous palette. Add more color with heather, or lavender sage. These bushy plants make a good barrier to hold back blowing sand. Moss rose, a low-growing succulent with colorful blooms is a cheerful border plant along a walkway. Team it with the silver-gray leaves and yellow flowers of the dusty miller for contrast and your low maintenance landscape is complete.