Great grasses for Marin gardens

Looking for a large graceful grass to fill a bare spot in your garden? Look no further. Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) would be a good choice. This perennial grass, native to California and Mexico, grows to 4 feet tall and wide. It’s easy to grow, drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. The slender gray-green leaves form a dense clump; at maturity, they bend outward, giving a weeping effect. Leaves were used in basket making by Native Americans in California.

Looking for a small perennial grass to add to a border? A blue fescue, Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue,’ is also a drought-tolerant and deer-resistant grass. This fescue grows to about 1 foot high and wide. The blue-gray-green foliage is striking, especially when mixed with your favorite perennials. Both grasses are grown in full sun.

— katie martin, UC Marin Master Gardeners