large number of grasses are very easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. These grasses thrive in a range of soil types and have little or no requirement for fertilizer.

There are also few pest- and disease-related problems with these grasses.

Easy-growing grasses are broadly classified into cool season grasses, warm season grasses, grasses that grow with a running growth habit and those that have a clumping growth habit, or that grow in tufts.

Blue Lyme Grass

• Blue lyme grass (Elymus arenarius) is a cool season grass with flat, steel blue foliage and a running and arching growth habit. The grass produces tall spikes of flowers during the summer. Blue lyme grass is easy to grow and thrives in all soil types including wet or dry, and in areas of partial shade to full sun. Blue lyme grass grows to a mature height of three to four feet. The cultivar blue dune is especially hardy in very hot weather and grows two to 2 ½ feet high. Blue lyme grass grows most optimally in USDA Zones 4 to 10. Prune grass periodically during the growing season to keep foliage looking fresh. The grass is very effective for control of soil erosion on embankments.

Pampas Grass

• Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a native perennial grass of Chile, Argentina and Brazil. The grass grows easily with minimal care, reaching a height of about 10 feet with a six-foot-wide spread with silver white plumes that rise above the foliage. It is easy to propagate pampas grass with seed or by division of clumps. Low maintenance pampas grass grows best in full sun, is deer- and drought-resistant and has very few pest-related issues. The grass also tolerates salt sprays and is favored in coastal gardens. Prune the grass to the ground in late winter to encourage fresh growth during spring.

Little Bluestem

• Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is among the easy-growing grasses as it establishes in a range of soils. The grass has blue green leaves and produces rust-colored seed heads during fall. The adaptability of the grass to all soils, including dry, infertile ground, makes it a popular choice for using on thin, upland range sites. Little bluestem is found throughout the United States and has excellent tolerance for drought. The grass has no serious pest-related problems. Little bluestem is commonly planted as a forage grass and is used to make hay.