You may know grasses for full sun but are a little fuzzy on what works in the shade. Zika Wolfe, a veteran member of our marketing team, highlighted shady selections in the September issue of American Nurseryman. 

Many cool season grasses are well-adapted to shady conditions, and some require it in warmer climates. Several warm season grasses also work well in shade, adding visual texture and movement.

Read about grasses for shady spots. 

Nursery owner John Hoffman developed his passion for grasses while touring Europe in the early 80s. He was impressed by the enthusiastic following for grasses then. A recent trip to Germany and the Netherlands reminded him that grasses are more popular there than ever.

Five Great Grasses from the Oudolf Garden

Piet Oudolf knows grasses, so the Hoffman family loved spending time with him in his garden recently. Several of our favorite grasses form the backbone of his designs.  

• Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' 
• Nassella tenuissima
• Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'
• Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah'
• Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara'

The prevalence of North American natives is notable, and we loved how he uses them in a loose, layered style. Take a page from his book, and try these great grasses yourself! Read more.

Three Favorites at Appeltern Gardens

Grasses also played a starring role at Appeltern Gardens in The Netherlands.  John Hoffman was thrilled to see the unusual and playful ways the gardens used grasses. We asked what he liked about the gardens, and he said, "Everything!" He managed to narrow it down to three categories: the grasses, the rooms, and the fabulous art. Read more about these amazing gardens. 

Working Together

The growing operations we sell to are a pretty knowledgeable bunch. But it's tough to be an expert on everything. We know that even experienced growers have questions or encounter problems from time to time.

Knowing which grasses fit your programs, finding out what's new, staying ahead of growing issues-all take time. Hoffman Nursery can save you time and make your job easier.

In recent months, our team consulted with three different growing operations. You can read their stories here.

Snow on the ground and frost in the air. That means it's time for winter trade shows.

January 8-10, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS)
Our first trade show of 2014 takes us to Baltimore, MD. Join the Hoffman Nursery crew in Booths 412 & 414 in the Baltimore Convention Center. We'll talk grasses and celebrate a new year.

January 13-15, 2014

Central Environmental Trade Show (CENTS) and OSU Short Course

We head off to Columbus, OH for this trade show and educational event. It's always a treat to see our Midwestern customers and friends and attend seminars for nursery professionals. Visit us in Booth 2108. 

Be sure to sign up for the OSU Short Course. Shannon Currey, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hoffman Nursery, will offer a presentation entitled: Great Grasses and Spectacular Sedges. She'll give you the scoop about grasses, planting preferences, their design attributes, and the advantages of using grasses and sedges in the landscape. See the most popular varieties and exciting newcomers. She speaks on Monday, January 13, from 2:45pm - 3:45pm.

January 16-17, 2014

Green & Growin' Trade Show 

Come see a team of Hoffman Nursery folks at this Greensboro, NC show in the Greensboro Coliseum. With a double booth (#533-535), there's plenty of space  to talk to customers and friends - and show our grasses, sedges, and rushes. 

Sign up for the educational portion of the show and come to a talk given by Hoffman Nursery's Scott Epps, Looking Ahead with Grasses & Sedges. Scott will discuss what's new in the grass world, and show exciting plants yet to reach the market Tuesday, January 14 at 9:00 am. See you in Greensboro!