Q: Grasses? They are awful. What’s wrong with these landscape architects and their lack of concern for the desert and their poor plant material choices and layouts?
A: There are some native grasses that are fine for the desert and our landscapes. Extensive research has been and continues to be done to determine the best plants for our region. We even have a research operation in Tucson. It is called the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Tucson Plant Materials Center.
You can schedule a tour if you are interested to learn more about grasses that are appropriate for our region. Google AZPMC if you want to learn more .
There are, however, other species that are invasive and should not be planted here. In some cases, these problems are self-inflicted because humans failed to see the downside to species that were once thought to be a great solution to erosion or nutrition for livestock . I like to think that nowadays we are much more careful about planting grasses that can reseed and become invasive.
Unfortunately, this only works if we are aware of the potential problems. Some grass species that are marketed as sterile are not 100 percent so and unfortunately they are popular landscape plants. I wouldn’t blame the landscape architects for all these troubles. Many of them are schooled in proper plant selection through their degrees and their experience. Part of the blame can be spread to consumers who buy the plants and nurseries that sell them.
In the end, it is something we all need to educate ourselves about when considering which plants to use no matter where we live.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions and photos may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com.
