Equisetum hyemale‚ the horsetail grass‚ is a perennial species of the family Equisetaceae․ They are jointed‚ grass-like plants with hollow stems that resemble green bamboo․ Although they have been in existence for a few hundred million years and have not considerably changed‚ and are used widely in either gardens or commercial landscapes‚ there are many reasons as to why it is admired by so many gardeners and landscapers‚ and is a popular element in numerous garden settings․ The following notes will explore these reasons related to this plant‚ its uses‚ and best practices for its care to provide the greatest visual enhancement to the ponds and water gardens that it inhabits․ Why Gardeners Love Equisetum Hyemale Grass There are many reasons that people recommend using it to grow‚ but one well-known reason is the fact that horsetail grass is very hardy․ It can grow in a number of different soil conditions and in a variety of different hardiness zones․ This plant also thrives in wet‚ marshy environments․ These characteristics combined make it an attractive plant to gardeners who might otherwise have trouble with other plants to grow in their boggy or poorly draining garden spots․ It is also a perennial plant that will come back each year with little work on the part of the gardener․ The verticality of its design and form generates an attractively contrasted focus‚ adding drama and providing texture to the visual presentation of the landscape․ Equisetum Hyemale Grass Care, Watering, and Maintenance Another reason this plant is so popular in gardens is that it is so easy to maintain: in its native habitat it can be found near a pond‚ stream‚ or any other body of water․ It requires regular watering․ It can tolerate soil drying out during the summer months though‚ which is not a problem given that horsetail grass can grow in poor conditions․ The plant should be kept fairly moist‚ but not water-logged‚ as the latter may encourage root rot․ While it does not need to be fertilized‚ having taken up the necessary minerals and nutrients from the soil‚ it will show stronger growth if given a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring․ Best Uses for Equisetum Hyemale Grass Around Ponds and Water Gardens One of the best places to use Equisetum hyemale is in or around a pond or other water garden‚ as horsetail grass can be very helpful for the pond or water garden․ It is good to plant at the edge of a pond as it helps prevent erosion and weeds․ The high‚ slim columns of color can create the background for quiet ponds or fountains․ The plant is very attractive to birds and has a variety of visitors as a function of its composition and makeup․ It benefits the ecosystem by attracting helpful insects․ The upright growth habit of it provides for year-round interest‚ particularly in winter when other foliage has died back‚ or gone dormant or missing․ What Makes Equisetum Hyemale Grass a Unique Architectural Plant? It has a history of being popular in ornamental horticulture and has been used in architecture․ The upright sections of the stems make it valued in modern architecture‚ Zen garden‚ and other highly modern culture landscapes that prefer vertical landscape contrast․ Sparaxis is a very ancient plant‚ which adds an extra layer of history and interest that few other plants can offer․ It is also unusual in shape‚ and provides something that is both vertical and interesting for arrangements‚ as well as adding height and glamour․ Gardeners and designers often take advantage of the contrast: horsetail grass is used beside foliage or soft flowers to create impressive juxtaposition․ Order Equisetum Hyemale Grass Online From Tennessee Wholesale Nursery If you want to purchase Equisetum hyemale to plant in your own garden‚ Tennessee Wholesale Nursery has a wide selection available‚ along with more information about how to properly plant and care for this unique grass species․ Buying the plants from a reputable source means that the gardener will be assured of buying a healthy plant‚ ready to add to their garden‚ and thanks to the convenience of buying online‚ projects can be planned to order in bulk‚ making it much easier for the gardener to add a gorgeous addition to their garden design․ An erect‚ natural-like grass‚ it is an awesome addition to any garden or landscape․ Its distinctive growth habit‚ overall hardiness and ease of care have made horsetail grass a favorite plant among gardeners and professional landscapers․ Whether in or around a pond‚ or as a statement in a modern garden‚ it is‚ in its wild state‚ one of nature's most beautiful plants‚ and a clear indicator of an intact ecosystem․ Spanning so many centuries‚ its longevity is the embodiment of nature's resilience and its historical importance makes Equisetum hyemale more than just a plant․