Grasses and grass-like plants are low maintenance and introduce a contrast in texture.

• Mondo grass (Ophiopogon spp.) is excellent as a filler between stepping-stones and sleeper steps. O. 'Black Dragon' contrasts well with grey or variegated plants.

• Carex forms tussocks and mounds and Carex 'Frosty Curls' and Carex 'Bronze' are most effective when planted in groups, or edging paving.

• Festuca glauca is clump forming with narrow grey-blue foliage. Festuca 'Golden Toupee' has lemon foliage that darkens to yellow in winter.

Tall feathery grasses introduce movement into the garden and combine well with perennials such as agapanthus, gerbera, day lilies and the wild iris, Dietes grandiflora. Chlorophytum saundersiae is a grass-like plant with evergreen narrow leaves that bears masses of tiny star-like white flowers throughout the year.