• Small decorative grasses are well suited for use in a garden.fresh grass image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com
  
  The arid California climate, prone to drought and high temperatures, is the optimal setting for growing ornamental grasses. Most landscape grasses require little maintenance or water and make a striking garden design for both front and backyards. A variety of species are available from soft greens to subtle blues; some grow in small spaces around rocks; others require larger lots of space for premium growth. Many grasses work well instead of a traditional lawn in front-yard landscaping.
  
  

Container and Border Varieties

• Many grasses are small enough to be contained within container gardens or used as border plants. Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-spreading plant that tolerates sun and blooms primarily in summer. Dwarf Mondo grows to about two inches high and is the appropriate size for container gardens. Blue-Eyed Grass is small enough to fit around rocks or in small spaces that need color. This grass grows to about six inches and blooms in spring. With a maximum height of three to four inches, Rose Grass is a picky little plant that requires regular watering and good drainage. This variety rewards gardeners with bright pink flowers in early spring.
  
  

Large-Growth Grasses

• For larger lots, choose a species of grass that requires more space with bigger impact; these grasses soften hardscape edging and actually create movement in soft breezes. Generously proportioned varieties include Clustered Field Sedge, which can grow as high as eight feet. This species takes moderate watering, can grow in shade and spreads through runners. Canyon Prince Giant Rye is a silvery blue variety that can withstand different types of soil and, once established, is drought-tolerant. Canyon Prince will grow as high as two to three feet and has another foot of fruiting stalk. Silver Grass, another tall-growing grass, can reach four to six feet tall, and is equal in width. This variety is characterized by its multiple white stripes in the leaves, and takes moderate watering for healthy growth.
  
  

Fescue Varieties

• The fescue variety of grasses is common in California landscapes and is divided into four species: creeping red fescue, sheep fescue, hard fescue and chewing fescue. The chewing fescues are used primarily for growing in bunches and are drought-tolerant, but does not grow well in extreme temperatures. Sheep fescue is a bluish-tinged stiff grass variety that grows in bunches and is best suited for well-drained soil. Hard fescue is a tough variety that is drought-tolerant and is adapted to grow in shade. This grass requires little maintenance and is often used to stabilize ground to prevent erosion. Creeping red fescue is just as it sounds; it is a creeper and spreads long and wide in landscaped areas. Fescues are used in garden landscape; some varieties can also be used as turf and require minimal mowing.