If you are looking to create a gorgeous deer resistant landscape in your yard this year – we hope that our newest venture at the farm – The Grassland Gardens Project – can serve as some great inspiration and information for those who have to plant with deer in mind. And are we ever excited for the garden to open this summer!
One of our long term goals at the farm has always been to create a large scale garden area where visitors and those who stay in the cabins at the farm could stroll and enjoy the property. But one thing is for sure, when you create a farm that is surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodlands, deer are going to be a part of it. And if you don’t learn to plant accordingly – they can certainly be a challenge.
That, of course, is exactly why we have a large fence around our entire vegetable garden. But deer-proofing 46 acres with high fencing certainly isn’t exactly a feasible option. So we decided to embrace the deer and learn to co-exist – and create a massive garden to celebrate it!
The Grassland Gardens At The Farm
Scheduled for completion and a grand opening for August 2nd, 2025, the first phase of Grassland Gardens will feature over 50 different varieties and 3000+ plantings of ornamental grasses – all weaved in among pathways, waterfalls, sitting areas – and hundreds of other deer-resistant annuals, perennial plants, bushes and trees. See: The Grassland Gardens At Old World Garden Farms
It wasn’t hard to see that ornamental grasses made for the perfect choice to be the main anchor. We’ll cover the new garden and all of the exciting things happening at the farm this summer at end of the article – but let’s start by taking a look at just how amazing ornamental grasses can be for those who struggle with deer damage – and why they will be the anchor of our garden.
Ornamental Grasses – Beautiful, Versatile, Low Maintenance & Deer-Resistant!
Ornamental grasses have exploded in popularity over the last few decades. And for good reason. Not only are most varieties highly deer resistant, they also are incredibly drought and pest tolerant as well. In fact, once established, ornamental grasses rarely if ever need to be watered.
But adding to their allure, grasses also serve as an important cover and food source for other wildlife. All type of birds love to feed from the seed heads that form on grasses. In addition, birds and other small animals use the thick vegetation of the grasses for cover and protection through the cold winter months – and to build nests in the spring.
Ornamental grasses are versatile too – and can be useful for so many different landscape needs. Of course, many varieties can survive with little water. There are also varieties that are great for wet and marshy areas. And even better, others ideal for planting on banks to keep erosion under control.
4 Season Interest
At the end of the day, it might be the sheer beauty that ornamental grasses bring to a landscape that are its best attribute. And in so many different ways!
From miniature to huge maiden grasses and everything in between, grasses come in all shapes, colors and sizes – and add different interest throughout all four seasons. From swaying blades in spring, to soaring plumes in the summer and fall, grasses can be stunning in season. But come winter, they can be just as sensational when covered in a snow or ice.
If all of that wasn’t enough, ornamental grasses also pair well with all kinds of perennials, annuals, trees and bushes. And when you put it all together, the combination of all of the colors and heights and textures can truly make for a sensational landscape.
So we decided – why not make it the focal point of the farm . And the Ornamental Grassland Gardens project was born!
Creating Grassland Gardens
A Look At The Project
Phase one of the garden project will begin in early March. It will include the installation of a large series of walkways through and around the 2+ acre garden area. In addition, a little over 3000 plantings of 50 different varieties will make up the initial planting.
[ Editors Note: We will have more details about the August 2nd Opening of the Grassland Gardens & Open House in the coming weeks. We have created a new Facebook page dedicated just to the farm – and we will update all future events and more there – you can check it out and follow it here: The Farm’s Facebook ]
In addition to the grasses, we will also be installing native trees, bushes, and perennial plants to compliment the grasses. Nearly all of the plantings are deer-resistant, but those that are not will be protected with a unique collection of plant guards that will fit the theme.
There will also be a few mass planting areas of annuals to bring big color to the gardens. Mixed in with the grasses in various beds and spaces will be plantings of a large variety of colorful ornamental hot peppers, coleus, marigolds and zinnias – all which have excellent deer resistance qualities.
Ornamental peppers make for a great contrast with the foliage of the grasses, and deer are not fond of the spicy peppers. Marigolds and zinnias have great deer repelling properties as well. As for coleus, the brightly patterned plant is not only beautiful, deer know to leave alone due to its toxicity when consumed.
We have actually grown and featured all four of these annuals at the farm the past few years. And all have been left alone by the deer without incident!
Phase II Of The Grassland Gardens
In 2026, we hope to add more plantings and walkways along with an atrium/greenhouse to the Grassland Gardens. The atrium will sit right in the middle of the plantings and actually serve a couple of unique purposes for the farm.
For starters, we will use the space to grow all of our annual flowers and vegetables from seed. That, of course will be over the late winter months. But in the summer, the space will be available for visitors to enjoy or rent for private events.
Our hope is that by 2027, the garden will expand to include even more grass displays on the existing 3.5 miles of trails, as well as all around the additional buildings and features. The long term goal is to top the 25,000 plant mark by the end of 2027. And in the process, create one of the largest garden dedicated to ornamental grasses in the country!
If your calendars allow it, we hope to see you Saturday, August 2nd for the grand opening! And if you want to come before or after and stay in the cabin house, you can find out more about that here: The Pine Ridge Cabin Rental At OWG
Happy Gardening! – Jim & Mary.
Old World Garden Farms
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
As always, feel free to email us at thefarm@owgarden.com with comments, questions, or to simply say hello! You can sign up for our free email list in the subscribe now box in the middle of this article. Follow us on Facebook here : OWG Facebook. This article may contain affiliate links.
Happy Gardening – And Hope To See You In August At The Farm! – Jim & Mary.
Old World Garden Farms
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
As always, feel free to email us at thefarm@owgarden.com with comments, questions, or to simply say hello! You can sign up for our free email list in the subscribe now box in the middle of this article. Follow us on Facebook here : OWG Facebook. This article may contain affiliate links.