IN THE GARDEN
THE GRASS IS GREENER Cory lawn beds, Calamagrostis brachytricha , Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ and Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea ‘Windspiel’ are all visible above, while Stipa gigantea is pictured below
We are family A range of grasses are favoured by gardeners, but did you know that the grass family (Poaceae) is one of the largest plant families, containing approximately 800 genera and 12,000 species? It’s a truly cosmopolitan family too, occurring from sea level all the way up to high altitudes, in temperate, tropical, arid, wetland and mountainous habitats, and plants can be terrestrial or aquatic. Records indicate that grasses are the main component in 25% of the Earth’s vegetation cover and form the basis for essential ecosystems such as savannahs and prairies. Poaceae is also the most economically important plant family, containing crop plants such as wheat, barley, oats, maize, rice, rye, sorghum Given the size of the family and its wide ornamental appeal , there is a grass for all garden styles and conditions
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2026 71
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