The Ornamental Grasses Garden showcases the finest grasses and grass-like perennials for Colorado gardens, along with Denver Botanic Gardens’ largest display of foxtail lily (Eremurus). In late spring, foxtail lilies — bulbous perennials bearing spires of pastel flowers — tower above the garden among arching mounds of grass.

The northern slope features a grand swath of fine-textured Mexican feather grass (Nassella tenuissima) and a contemporary African stone sculpture, “So Proud of My Children.” Carved by Zimbabwe artist Nicholas Kadzungura, the sculpture was donated in 2006 by the nine grandchildren of Edward and Pauline Tadonlini.

Lower beds present a tapestry of grasses chosen for their resilience, and striking textures and colors. The grasses range from graceful mounds of purple-plumed fountain grasses (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’) to the Plant Select® favorite, cloud-like Undaunted® ruby muhly (Muhlenbergia reverchonii ‘PUND01S’).

Rising from the tapestry are several cutleaf staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’), their crooked, angled trunks adding definition and contrast to the expanses of grass.

For a list of plants in the Ornamental Grasses Garden, click here.