PADDOCK GRASSES
Grasses have deservedly become very popular in recent years. We like them a lot and find they make good subjects for containers. We have our own collection in pots of varying sizes and move them around during the season to provide changing perspectives. All the grasses described should be reliably hardy in this part of the country, unless otherwise indicated. Plants supplied in 1 litre pots in professional-grade compost with 12-14 month granular fertiliser; some larger plants may be supplied in bigger pots. Indications as to species and variety are, to the best of our knowledge, accurate.
BAMBOO Phyllostachys
We are usually able to offer 6 foot specimens of these elegant bamboos, either classic colouring or with jet black canes, which form a tall arching clump that will grace any garden. Best in light sunny position. 12 ft  +
£24.95
CAREX Curly Whirly
We have seen this pretty little specimen described as a ‘fun grass’, and we suppose it is. Certainly the slender bronze-coloured leaves have fun arching up then giving way to a profusion of twists and twirls at their tips. Evergreen. Sun or semi-shade.12 in.
£1.95
Sorry no picture
CAREX COMANS Frosted Curls
The arching slender blades of this clump-forming grass are a delicious silvery lime-green and, for added effect, form little curls at their tips. Refreshingly different. Sun or semi-shade.
£1.95
CAREX FLAGILLIFERA Auburn Cascade
An imposing evergreen grass with a cascading or semi-weeping habit and leaves of a stunning metallic bronze colour, which are soft to the touch. Looks terrific in both borders and containers. Sun or semi-shade. 18 in.
£1.95
CAREX OSHIMENSIS Evergold
An evergreen native of Japan, forming eye-catching clumps of yellowy cream and green striped leaves with the bonus of brown flower spikes in summer. Good for year-round splashes of colour. Sun or shade. To 12 in.
£1.95
CAREX PHYLLOCEPHALA Sparkler
Just a bit different is this evergreen sedge which holds whorls of cream and lime green variegated leaves along upright purplish  stems. Flowers like mini bulrushes appear in the centre of the whorls. Makes a terrific pot plant. Likes some shelter and a bit of shade. 2 ft.
£2.25
CAREX SECTA TENUICULMIS
Another striking grass, not unlike Auburn Cascade described above, with slender, almost needle-like leaves rising delicately in an arching habit. Their exact shade is hard to describe, but rich roasted coffee springs to mind! Sun or semi-shade. 18 in.
£1.95
CHASMANTHIUM LATIFOLIUM
We call this grass the mini-bamboo because of the appearance of its stems and leaves. The flower/seed heads are large and oat-like. Looks terrific in a tall pot. Sun or semi-shade. 2 ft +
£1.95
ERAGROSTIS ELLIOTTII
Blue Love Grass makes a fabulous feature plant, forming a substantial clump of narrow powder blue leaves above which, for most of the summer, floats a tan cloud formed by the flowering plumes. Sun or semi-shade. 3 ft. 2 litre pot.
£2.95
FESTUCA GLAUCA Elijah Blue
We think this is one of the very best blue grasses. Forms a dense compact tuft of fine evergreen greyish blue leaves and has flower spikes of a similar colour. Very attractive. Sun or semi-shade. 12 in.
£1.95
FESTUCA GLAUCA Azurit
And this is another of the very best! Not as commonly seen, its fine steely blue leaves form a rounded tussock that will stand out wherever you plant it. Sun or semi-shade. 12 in.
£1.95
IMPERATA CYLINDRICA Red Baron
Called the Japanese blood grass because of the strikingly unusual hue of its leaves, which take on a maroon red colouring as they mature. Slowly spreads to form an erect clump. Sun or semi-shade. 12-18 in.
£2.25
MISCANTHUS Little Dot
Sounds like it is named after some Dickensian character, but in fact it refers to the dots or stripes of cream variegation on the otherwise green leaves of this splendid upright specimen grass. (It’s translated from the original German name, you see.) More compact than others at 2 feet. Sun or semi-shade.
£2.95
OPHIOPOGON NIGRESCENS
Not a true grass, but an evergreen clump-forming perennial that looks like one. Handsome virtually black leaves are complemented in summer by tiny purplish white flowers, followed by black berries. Adorable. Sun or semi-shade. 10 in.
£2.95
OPHIOPOGON JAPONICUS Silver Mist
Not something you see every day is this variety of Ophiopogon Japonicus which has very narrow grass-like leaves striped silvery white and green. Forms a spreading little clump about 6 to 8 inches high and, being evergreen, has year-round appeal.
£1.95
OPHIOPOGON PLANISCAPUS
You don’t come across this little gem as often as the black version listed above. It is in fact the species and the same in all respects, except for the rich olive green colour of the leaves. Lovely and deserves to be more popular.
£2.75
PENNISETUM SETACEUM Rubrum
Just about the most spectacular grass you could imagine - a large clump of burgundy leaves over which arch long stems with deep rosy-pink flowerheads. Put it in a pot so you can overwinter it indoors. Simply the best! Full sun. 3 ft.
£2.50 1 Litre or £3.50 2 Litre
PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA Feesey
A tall and very striking grass that will spread if you let it. Its blades are dramatically striped in green and white with hints of pink, so you can't miss it. Looks very nice in a large pot. Sun or semi-shade. 3ft. 2 litre pot.
£2.95
PHORMIUM Cultivars
Phormiums are the new cordylines, the first choice for architectural plantings, we read recently, and there may be something in that, as they make for a strong year-round presence. We should be able to supply Bronze Baby (bronze, compact), Dusky Princess (rich dusky purple), Limelight (lime green), Pink Stripe (greyish with pink edge), Sundowner (bronze/green/copper/pink}. Full sun best. 2 litre pot +
£5.50
UNCINIA UNCINIATA RUBRA
This is a real gem of among grasses, forming a neat clump of gorgeous deep red leaves, which are such an attractive feature in themselves that the white flowering spikes come as a bonus. One of the best. Sun or semi-shade. 12-18 in.
£2.25