Ornamental Grasses

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Common Name:  Ornamental Grass  'Leather Leaf Sedge'
Botanical Name : Carex buchananii

Leather Leaf Sedge is a cool-season grass. Cool-season grasses put on most of their growth in spring before temperatures begin exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit and in the fall when temperatures cool down. They generally maintain good color through the summer but won't grow much when it is hot. The finely textured, copper foliage contrast vividly with dark green, blue. and silver plants and prefers moist, well-drained soil.  Equally at home in borders, containers, rock or water gardens.  
This Ornamental grass will do well down to Zone 5, thus will return in most gardens in our planting area.  Containers may need to be protected from freeze/thaw cycles for it to survive. 
Cool season grasses tend to look good even as the weather cools. Leave their foliage in place until spring and then as soon as the snow is gone cut them back. Leave about 1/3 of the plant in place. Trimming cool season grasses too harshly can irreparably harm the plant. Divide cool season grasses in spring or early fall. Cool season grasses are actively growing in spring and fall. These grasses can be transplanted at either time of the year but early spring is probably the best time to divide.

Used in a
Combination Planter

Common Name:  Ornamental Grass  'Toffee Twist'
Botanical Name : Carex flagrllifera

'Toffee Twist' features slender, iridescent leaves that offer an elegant sweeping, trailing habit and is especially attractive as an accent plant.

Common Name:  Mexican Feather Grass  'Pony Tails'
Botanical Name : Stipa tenuissima

Stipa is a neutral grass. Evergreen or neutral grasses are usually plants that look like grasses but aren't actually classified as grasses, they are generally called grass-like plants.
Soft, flexible, feathery foliage forms dense, bright green clumps.  The silky flowers appear in June and change from green to gold as they mature.  Spectacular when backlit at night, they are striking alone, or in large drifts.
Unlike the Carex above, this Ornamental Grass is hardy to only Zone 6,  so we consider an annual for most of our intended purposes, but don't be surprised if it survives in a well protected spot.

Used in a
Combination Planter

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Tel: 207 - 785 - 4385
Fax: 207 - 785 - 5145

Driving directions: Centrally located on Rt. 17 in Union, Maine between Rt. 131N and North Union Rd. in western Knox county.

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Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday:    8:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday:      9:00am - 3:00pm