It's the middle of Winter - short days, cold nights, a dusting of snow in the Barrington Tops. At this time of year we typically start to cut everything back, after enjoying the autumnal hues of the last couple of months. Many of our plants have well and truly entered their Winter dormancy. Our unseasonal Winter rainfall this year should put us in stead for a good Spring. Most of our ornamental grasses and perennials put on their growth during Spring and Summer. However we have a select range of Winter growing grasses and perennials - some of which have been recently added to our website and are listed below.

Deschampsia flexuosa 'Tatra Gold'

A clump forming, cool season growing ornamental grass forming low arching tufts of finely textured leaves which are bright chartreuse in Spring and early Summer, turning rich green in later seasons. Decorative purplish-bronze flower heads in mid Summer on stiff stems. Full sun to part shade. Best with Summer moisture. Frost tolerant. Works well in container planting. Performs best in cooler climates. Approx. 30-40cm high. View

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Pixie Fountain'

'Pixie Fountain' is a dwarf variety of Deschampsia cespitosa. Forming an evergreen tight clump of narrow, dark green leaves with feathery panicles of silvery-purple flowers on arching stems in Summer. Excellent in shadier area in the garden. Fully frost hardy Deschampsia is able to withstand temperature down to -15ºC. The plants are tolerant of a range of moisture as long as it is not waterlogged. Perform best and flowers most in cooler climates. In warmer climates, it needs semi-shade and moist conditions otherwise flower production may be reduced. View

Eryngium planum 'Silver Salentino'

Attractive mid green basal rosettes which are the main structure of the plant for most of the year. The flowers arise to 80cm above the basal rosette in late Spring and Summer. Globular heads of snowy white, tinged with a hint of metallic blue make for a floral statement amongst any plant combination. We like to leave the dead heads on the plants after flowering. This way we ensure a little self-seeding in and around the original plant increasing our clump size. Somewhat drought tolerant once established. 20cm x 80cm in flower. Prefers well drained soils and full sun. View

Poa sieberiana var. cyanophylla

Native to Australia, this low growing, silver-blue tussock grass forms an attractive clump to approximately 20cm high. A fast growing, hardy and long lived grass. Requires a well drained soil in either sun or light shade. Tolerant of frost and dry conditions. Performs best in alpine and cool districts, hence the common name Snow Grass. View

Salvia lanceolata

Native to the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa. Sometimes referred to as Sand Sage, we are always trialling plants for their ability to withstand really hot Summers and frosty cold Winters while still giving us a strong element of beauty and intrigue. Salvia lanceolata fits in well. Dusky pink calyxes with smoky salmon beige petals on silver grey foliage makes for a curious yet beautiful combination. Prefers well drained soil and flowers in mid Summer. Grows 1m x 1m. View