The popularity of grasses in the landscape seems to come and go based on new varieties or clever marketing. Grasses can provide softness to solid plantings or bold seasonal flowers to add interest. The down side to many is that they have an off season where they need to be rejuvenated with a good shearing, basically a transformation from tall straw to a hedgehog in mere minutes.   

Here at Markham we've become more than a little smitten with the grass like Lomandras from Australia. These tough little customers are evergreen, thrive on just a little water and are comfortable in both baking sun and full shade. Two other interesting points to note are that they are mostly male clones (which reduces the potential for invasive behavior) and their root systems are excellent for holding soils together on slopes. Here are two that we just love...

Lomandra 'Breeze' PP15,420

Breeze has held its Greencard status since 2003 and is now well settled in Californian gardens. The long, thin green leaves give a soft appearance that arches gracefully over paths or down slopes. It is a good performer under eucalyptus trees where little else seems to work. Mature size is between 2-4' tall and wide and is based on soil and location. 

Lomandra 'Seascape' PP20,010

Seascape arrived a little later on the scene, but what a statement it makes. The cool blue color holds all through the summer months long after the Fescues have burned out. The overall size is less than breeze which makes it the perfect candidate for the smaller garden or container.

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