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Carex oshimensis is a perennial sedge that stands out as a bright spot in shady areas. In its native Japan, Oshima kan suge, as it is known, dots rocky slopes and wooded areas with its richly colored, fine-textured foliage. In North America, it shines in rock gardens, along pathways and in containers.C. oshimensis stands out for its soft, gently curling foliage, which turns a lovely pale brown for the winter. One of our favorites is ‘Ice Cream’, a sport of the wildly popular ‘Evergol

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’Absolutely nothing else smells like “English lavender” -- which is, of course, not English; the genus is of Mediterranean origin. It acquired its nickname because it grows great in Great Britain. Jolly good, wot?‘Hidcote’ typifies the species, with handsome, subtle grey-green foliage, rich purple flower spikes, and that wonderful clean, fresh, trademark fragrance. It’s a garden classic that still works beautifully in border or container.Hardy in Zones 5 – 9, ‘Hidc

Mixed containers continue to dominate the plant world, for consumers in small spaces, or for those who simply want a patio or garden refresh. Successful combinations are about more than just aesthetics. Without a good plan and some pre-thinking, containers can be a challenge. A few major considerations: Size Grasses in containers stop traffic at retail or in the garden, but not without some planning. While some grasses stay smaller than their norm when placed in a pot, don’t mistake that

Talk about intoxicating beauty! Spirits and flowers go together like, well, like wine and roses. Today’s Happy Hour special is one of our favorite ornamental grasses. Like the others in this category, it shares its name with some interesting adult beverages.  The PlantAndropogon gerardii ‘Rain Dance’Gardeners and designers know: Nothing brings movement to the border like ornamental grasses. This native variety, an ECG exclusive, dances up a storm in the slightest breeze.‘Rain Dance’ f

If there’s a sedge worth screaming about, it may just be ‘Ice Cream’.This garden confection’s winning recipe features minty green stripes alternating with creamy white stripes. Its neat, mounded, spherical habit completes the picture.But don’t keep it in a bowl. Serve it up in a decorative container, or sprinkled generously around the border. ‘Ice Cream’ stands a tidy 12” tall, and is hardy in Zones 6 – 9. And it won’t melt in sun or part shade.Order up a heaping helping of this cool Carex. No n