In another example of the "it's amazing what will grow if you let it" category, today's blog entry is devoted to Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium), shown below at Garden in the Woods:



Not actually a grass but a member of the Iris family, this cute little New England native plant blooms in early summer with small blue flowers with yellow eyes. This spring, I happened to notice a small population of Blue-eyed Grass growing in a small grassy clearing next to our barn, where Rob's mower hadn't yet reached. I would never have noticed it except for its blooms! Otherwise it just looked like a few blades of grass. I dug them up and transplanted them into another bed, where they appear to be thriving.

Blue-eyed Grass does well in moist areas with some sun, and if happy in its spot, will spread to form stands. Its diminutive size is perfect for adding a grasslike effect to a small garden area where an ornamental grass would be too overwhelming.