Common name:Black Sedge
Botanical name:Carex nigra
This ornamental grass is 0.5-0.75' high x 1-3' wide and has dark blue/green to blue/gray foliage that has a powdery white underside. It has black flowers and seed heads that look attractive but are not showy.
Common name:European Grapevine
Botanical name:Vitis vinifera
This vine grows 20'-30' long. Many species of this vine produce today's wines and grapes. There are thousands of species worldwide, but this plant originated in Europe. Vitis is a woody perennial that climbs its way around the supports. It does better with long, warm to hot summers, with mild winters. Frost will kill the young shoots. Vitis does not do well with humidity, as it promotes disease. Well-drained soil is important also.
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.