Sedges in the Edges

Sedges are in a lot of ways similar to grasses. Their fibrous root systems act as excellent anchors for soil. Sedges however often have species that are well adapted to shade and will grow where most grasses won’t. This marginal space between a sidewalk and house was bare dirt from shade and rain dripping from the eaves. The solution? A tightly spaced planting of sedges to anchor and cover the soil and eventually provide an interesting border to this sidewalk. Two species of sedges were used in this planting: Bicknell’s Sedge (Carex bicknellii) and Palm Sedge (Carex muskingumensis). For some pollinator value, Wild Garlic (Allium canadense) was added in several pockets.