The purpose of the ornamental grasses renovation project is to "revamp" a site consisting of 34 different ornamental grasses on each side, within a 270-foot garden bed. Originally, the site was used for an ornamental grass study relating to the "suitability of 19 species of ornamental grass to the Iowa climate" (Roe and Christians). Many changes in the arrangement of these grasses have occurred since the project first began in 1989, resulting in the need for renovation.

Today there are many species and varieties that still exist on the site. However, some of the grasses have transferred on their own to other plots, some stayed where they were planted, and others have faded away. In this project, there is a list including 19 proposed grasses to be introduced, eight to be transplanted, and approximately seven to stay where they currently are. These numbers may vary since each side, though planted with the same species, has evolved differently.

The spacing and overall design will remain the same for the renovation as it was for the original design. Each plot on this site consists of a four to five foot by five foot spacing. The sizes allow adequate room for healthy growth and for a good specimen.

The grasses will descend in height from number one in the center, to 34 on each of the ends. One of the difficulties in planning this (with the heights), is that some of the grasses form clumps at a certain height, but flower maybe two feet higher. Other grasses may have foliage and flowering at one approximate height. Variation to some extent may occur, but hopefully the species are arranged in such a way to be complimentary to each other.

After reading about many of the different species, as well as the many descriptions from various sources, it was evident how critical genus-species names can be. It is important to know one species from another so that the information can be more useful and unwanted species are not accidentally introduced.

Some sources indicated how certain species could become confused with another, whether through catalogs, the names, hybrids, etc. One example by Darke was used in the description for Elymus glaucus. It stated that "the name Elymus glaucus hort. is often used in error in nursery catalogs and garden books to refer to Leymus arenarius, a running species with strongly glaucous foliage" (190). Another example in the same book stated for Miscanthus ‘Purpurascens’, "Does not belong to Miscanthus sinensis, although often listed as such. Possibly a hybrid involving M. oligostachyus, but ultimate origin is obscure" (225). These examples show how easy an unwanted species can be mistaken for another species.

Ornamental grasses have numerous characteristics, each of which could make a difference in what species is chosen for a particular landscape. For the plots at the Horticulture Research Station, the new species have general characteristics of being bunch type, non-aggressive, varying in color, form and shape, in addition to being able to grow in the zones 4 and/or 5. Species that have survived over the years and are still standing, plus leave room for the other grasses to grow were the species that remained on the list from the previous years.

In the search for locating particular grasses, there were many sources available, although sometimes limiting. The Internet provided pictures, descriptions, and availability for purchasing. Local nurseries were another beneficial source.

Overall, the search went well even though a few species and varieties proved difficult to find. The result was a few changes in the list of grasses. One change was made with the Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue oat grass). The variety ‘Robust’ was unavailable and was replaced with ‘Saphirsprudel’. The same kind of change was made for the Panicum virgatum ‘Strictum’ which was replaced by the ‘Prairie Sky’ variety. These are only a few of the changes.

On May 12, 2000 the new grasses that had arrived were planted in their proper location. The existing grasses previously in those places were divided into small sections and placed in pots to be transplanted later. All of the grasses were thoroughly watered. Competing vegetation or unwanted varieties would later be sprayed with Round-up for control.

Every ornamental grass has a uniqueness to itself. Even the many varieties of Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea, Miscanthus sinensis, or Deschampsia caespitosa. In the study of ornamental grasses, one can quickly learn to see these unique properties and understand the benefits of having ornamental grasses. They not only provide a source of aesthetics, habitat for wildlife, and interesting specimens, but also provide a source that enriches the senses.