Late summer sunlight on a row of Feather Reed Grasses in bloom that I used to frame the sweeping view of Midtown Manhattan from this penthouse terrace.

This perennial grass variety Calamagrostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ will grow in USDA hardiness zone 5-9, but needs colder winters to thrive and isn’t a reliable performer further south than Zone 7.

Planted here in space saving upright rectangular weatherproof planters, these elegant grasses frame the skyline, provide some privacy and block unattractive views from neighboring rooftops.