In this new book noted grass expert and advocate Rick Darke addresses both the aesthetic qualities of grasses in private gardens and the opportunities and challenges of using them in wild and constructed public landscapes. All the true grasses, sedges, rushes, restios, and cattails that possess ornamental merit or that can contribute to ecological plantings are described, and practical matters of propagation, growth, and maintenance are also covered. More than 1000 stunning photographs show details of individual plants and hundreds of gardens and landscapes in which grasses play a prominent part. This new book completely eclipses Darke's previous ''Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses'' in scope and content, with twice as many photos and words. It is a new type of design reference that sets a standard for inspired, sustainable use of grasses.