Using grasses in perennial schemes is a style that was brought to the forefront of the planting design world by the Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf. His planting schemes are jaw-droppingly sublime, magical and somehow manage to epitomise nature.

This ‘naturalistic style’ of planting evolved through observing how grasses and perennials grew in the wild, concentrating on structure and the textural qualities of each plant. It is this link to nature that appeals to many and is probably the main reason why grasses have become enormously popular today.

The Calamagrostis group of ornamental grasses have some useful members - most of which are long flowering, and persist well into the winter with their attractive seedheads. They are well suited to perennial herbaceous borders and naturalistic planting schemes where they make elegant additions to the oft sprawling plants in the herbaceous border.

Calamagrostis brachytricha is a beautiful hardy perennial grass that gives long spell of interest. It produces gentle arching fountains of green foliage, in late summer fluffy flower heads emerge that are silvery-white tinged with pink, they are held slightly above the foliage to a height of 80 to 90cms (32 to 36in). In autumn the feathery flowers take on buttery shades, they last well into winter and are ideal for drying and cutting.

This useful ornamental grass is tolerant of a wide range of soils and growing conditions and is one of the few flowering grasses that can be grown in shade, a rare trait for a large flowering grass. In full sun the habit will be tighter and the flowering more profuse. They do best in moist, fertile soil, are happy in damp conditions and can survive in poorly drained and even clay soil.

Once established the plants are drought tolerant. They grow to around 45 to 60cm (18 to 24in) wide although will be smaller if grown in a dry site. They are more or less evergreen and fully hardy, even in harsh winters

Calamagrostis is well suited to use in the herbaceous perennial border and is a graceful addition to the shade or part shade garden. The plants can be grown in damp conditions, in bog-like areas and around water gardens and their compact clump-forming growth also makes them a perfect fit in containers.

Like most grasses, they are quite trouble free and will give years of pleasure through summer, autumn and winter. Remember to cut a few of the flower heads for dried bouquets as they remain open and feathery even when dried.

Sowing: Sow indoors in late winter to early spring or sow in autumn.

Sow the seeds on to the surface of a free-draining, moist seed-sowing compost and cover with 3 to 4mm (¼ in) of vermiculite. Keep at around 15 to 20°C (60 to 68°F) Germination should take place in two to four weeks. Maintain a temperature of 15°C (60°F) after germination until the seedlings are established.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, take a small clump of seedlings and put them all in a one-litre pot of gritty compost. They will form a bushy plant and be ready to go into the garden in summer.

Plant out at about five to seven plants per 10 square feet.