Peter Dowdall: Ornamental grass adds style to our gardens

Ornamental grasses work well with flowering perennials like echinacea. File picture

Whenever anyone tells me they don’t like ornamental grasses in a garden, I tell them that’s only when they’re not used properly.

I often think of grasses in terms of what they bring to a planting scheme more than simply a plant in their own right. They bring a very specific texture and style to any garden. Offering movement, airiness and a lightness which contrasts fabulously with heavy shrubs and compliments similar light and airy perennials.