Written by Rona Wheeldon
August 17, 2017

With the trend for natural designs continuing to be hugely popular, in this month’s Product Profile, we’re taking a look at just some of the many different varieties of wonderful grasses, which you can find at the Flower Market at New Covent Garden Market.

We'll be showcasing products from not only the flower and foliage traders, but also the plant and sundries suppliers.

So, grab a cuppa, settle down and have a read...and learn about Pennisetum, Panicum, Setaria and Carex varieties, plus lots more!

Background

The months of August through to October are peak season for grasses at Nine Elms and they're perfect for creating designs with a meadow-like feel.

As cut foliage, you'll usually find bunches of 10 stems at flower traders, plus bundles at the foliage guys. Some cut grasses need to be kept at a cooler temperature. So don't hesitate to ask if you can't find what you're looking for on display.

One particular grass variety which is hugely requested at the moment is Pampas Grass. This fluffy foliage is becoming increasingly popular for wedding flower designs.

Types

BRITISH CUT FOLIAGE

White Cat Tail

Red Cat Tail

Miscanthus

Grass Feather

Fountain Grass

WORLD CUT FOLIAGE

Pampas Grass

Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty'

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

Panicum virgatum 'Squaw'

Panicum 'Fountain' - Fountain Grass

Setaria italica 'Volle Melk'

Setaria italica 'Big Mama'

Setaria italica 'Red Jewel'

In addition to Bear Grass, Steel Grass and Flexigrass, you'll find Lily Grass.

China Grass

Some grasses, like the following two varieties, are kept chilled.

Typha

Emu Feather

Wraps of Mixed Grasses

Siergras kleurbehandeld ‘Bordeaux’

You'll also find a range of dried grasses including Hordeum (Barley).

Triticum (Wheat)

Phalaris

Oats

There are lots of different types of grasses available as plants at the Flower Market. Here is just a selection...

BRITISH PLANTS

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'

WORLD PLANTS

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Honey'

Pennisetum ‘Metallica’

Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergreen’

Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'

Carex oshimensis 'Eversheen'

Festuca ‘Walberla’

Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’

Sesleria nitida

Juncus effusus f. spiralis

ARTIFICIAL

Onion Grass with Reeds in a Pot

Curly Onion Grass in a Pot

Assorted stems

Design Inspiration

A slice of British meadow was created recently in the Flower Market by Carly Rogers, one of our five British Flowers Week florists. And grasses were an important component. They were also used by Matt from Urban Flowers Co in both his ShowStopper and Signature designs.

Here are some more examples of beautiful designs featuring grasses…

(Source: Urban Flower Co.)

(Source: Catherine Muller London)

(Source: Grace & Thorn)

(Source: Rebel Rebel)

(Source: Scarlet & Violet)

(Source: Petalon)

(Source: Zita Elze Design Academy)

(Source: JamJar Flowers)

Your Designs

We'd love to see photos of arrangements that you've made using grasses from New Covent Garden Flower Market. Simply send an email to hello@cgma.co.uk, stating your company name and website address.

Or if you prefer, you could post your photo on Instagram or Twitter and tag us with @MarketFlowers. We'll then upload your photos into this section. I hope you've enjoyed reading this month's Product Profile. Please do ask away below if you have any questions or would like to make any general comments. As always, we'd love to hear from you...