An Elegant border Design

An excerpt from Grasses, by Nancy J. Ondra
An Elegant Border

 

1. Hakonechloa rnacra 'Aureola', golden Hakone grass 2. Myosotis scorpioides 'Bill Baker', 'Bill Baker' forget-me-nots 3. Geranium 'Nimbus', 'Nimbus' geranium 4. Stachys byzantina, lamb's ears

This exquisite border at Heronswood Nursery in Kingston, Washington, is a study in early summer color, but thanks to a well-chosen grass, it remains beautiful even while the flowers are taking a break. Golden Hakone grass (Hakonechloa rnacra 'Aureola') offers slowly expanding mounds of bright yellow leaves lightly striped with green -- a charming complement to bright blue 'Bill Baker' forget-me-nots (Myosotis scorpioides 'Bill Baker'), purple 'Nimbus' geranium (Geranium 'Nimbus'), and silvery lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina). A single clump makes an eye-catching accent, but the repetition of this grass's distinctive color and flowing form provides a predictable unity and appealing rhythm to the border all season long.

Hardy in Zones 5 to 9, golden Hakone grass can take full sun in cool, moist climates; elsewhere, it appreciates light shade. In any climate, evenly moist, humus-rich soil is best. A wide range of popular border perennials thrive in the same conditions, so it's a simple matter to tailor this theme to suit your favorite flower colors.