I'm anticipating the threads coming up from the new literate gardeners who typically pick up from an article or discussion such things as these and will start with "I know I need to blend my static items with my non-static items, but I need help ...". This is one more phenomena, or tool, which we can choose to emphasize or choose not too. A great and broad subject, but we seem to be focused on minute bits and pieces objects and not looking at what else there is. What about a place like Central park that was originally planted with trees small enough to be moved and planted that would have been relatively small and delicate compared with the bulky stone bridges and other visually dominant structures that are now dwarfed by some of those trees and are being absorbed by vines and shrubbery? How about the subdivision that was brand new that you grew up in with dinky trees and dinky shrubs with the wide road and sidewalk that is now a canopied tree tunnel shading that once stark open road? Then there are those residential landscapes that we did 20 years ago that have the same walk and stone retaining walls and patio, but the growth has changed the whole flavor of the place. What about a place that you did three years ago? This project could have easily been described (and often was) as a wall with plants. Now it is more likely described as a garden that has a stone wall in it. This is the interpretation I made from the thread title. I don't know if I'm narrow in that, but concrete geese are too alien a notion of hardscape for me to envision on my own. They just do not seem to be items meant to be permanent and I think of "hardscape" as something that has the intent of being permanent (although nothing is permanent). It reminds me of some of the old photos from my area. This land was completely cleared by early settlers. Many of the churches were put on higher hills and often show up in old photos, even as unintended distant objects in the background. Now there are a zillion houses, but there are trees everywhere. One particular church in Yarmouthport can be seen from many places (Sandy Neck in Sandwich, Chapin Beach in Dennis, Exit 8 ramp in South Yarmouth, ...). It is now seen as a steeple sticking out of a tree canopy rather than an entire church in a barren grassy landscape. It is almost a measuring stick of time against a big landscape. I don't know that this fits into the discussion, but those are my thoughts. ... that and one of those plywood plumber grannies with the polka dotted bloomers, of course.

Since you have so much space to work with and seem to be pretty open as far as plant suggestions, I would suggest you get a newbie seed packet from Bakemom from the link below before ordering seed. You will probably get many of the seeds you are looking for and then some you didn't even know you wanted. It will be a while before all those trees and shrubs fill in so I would encourage you to experiment with lots of different annuals and perennials to see what you like. Cram as many in as you can without totally covering up the trees and shrubs. Then as the trees and shrubs start to take off you can remove the plants you don't like as much to make room for them. Over the years your yard will gradually transition from sun to shade anyways with all those trees, which will change what types of plants you can grow beneath them. Mother nature doesn't like bare ground, so any of the mulched area you leave unplanted will be planted for you with weeds! Also if you want a quantity of some specific cultivars that cannot be grown from seed you can get divisions from other gardeners or just buy your own and divide them regularly to fill in. Many of those are common landscaping plants that are readily available come spring or as clearance plants in summer/fall. Many on your list are also easily divided and some require it frequently to look good anyways. Dividing large clumps of miscanthus and siberian iris can be a real chore, so I hope you have a good back. Here is a link that might be useful: Bakemom's Newbie Seed Project

Miscanthus sinensis Purpurascens has survived 3 years in my zone 2b garden. It has no extra winter protection however it is planted in front of my south-facing home where the snow melts and ground warms earlier. M. sinensis Blutenwunder is also in its third year and is blooming for the first time this year. This one is planted in an unprotected area and aside from snowfall, no winter protec tion. Another Miscanthus, I'm pretty sure it's Malepartus (lost tag) is also chugging along planted near the house foundation. It hasn't bloomed, but isn't in the best location either and needs to be moved next year.

I enjoyed the answers to this question last year in the archives although at that time I hadnt planted ONE OG. SOoooooooo 9 months after & at least 15 different spieces later - ornamental grasses???? LOVE THEM!!!...How EZ just as you all said! We are gone most weekends in the warm months - no problem - no dead heading - no upkeep period! I telecommute from my home - sit by my office window 8 hours a day - 5 days a week - I have enjoyed 4 seasons of beauty...The way the grasses move in the wind - the way sun shines through them - the way the rain doesnt affect them at all - their awesome variety of colors! WOW - so glad we took the plunge & relandscaped our entire front yard beds plus included beautiful yellow/tan/white boulders & golden lava rock as a bed accent. Along with our deep green yard grass (in the spring/summer/fall) & cement swirling landscape borders - the contrast is magnificent! Neighbors wondered WHAT are THEY thinking?? (OG's still not the norm here in Spokane). However since then we have had many complements plus people actually stopping their cars - getting out for a closer look! We have a west facing yard - full sun. Average temps in July/August 85 degrees +. Sandy/rocky dirt. Underground sprinkler system was ran for approx. 15 minutes each early morning. I was told a few of my grasses would not like that much water - wrong! For winter we have had 3 weeks straight of day/night below freezing temps along with 10 " of snow. All grasses but one (which I didnt expect to make it) appear to be thriving. My favorite is Pennisetum Setaceum (Purple Fountain Grass). This is the one not making it in our low 6 probably 5 Zone through our winter but thats OK - this grass is worth the effort/cost to plant each year - trust me on this - I have ONLY been "doing" OG's for less than a year but this spieces is uncomparable!!! ($5.99 @ Home Depot) - beautiful with huge deep red/purple plumes. They grew over 5 feet tall straight up/sideways in 4 months! SO GEORGEOUS Karl Foerster is 2nd choice....... He is STILL tall magestic & strong! Breathtaking! I will definitely plant more this spring. A true winner! Carex Flagellifera (Sedge) is my 3rd choice. Compact & very very bushy growth that droops/hangs over itself & dances wonderfully....beautiful medium brownish color - really unusual! Festuca Glauca (Elijah Blue) - 4th choice. What a dainty magnifcient plant!........it actually has had 3 color changes - light gr to magnificent blue/green and now it is almost a silverish/green color. We have them lining our walk to our front door - wonderful presentation! Fifth chice is a toss up between my dwarf cork screw (sorry dont know the proper name ) - WOW what an unusal grass - deep green with all curly sprouts - LOVED to see it reaching through the snow! & my Golden Sword Yucca (not a true OG but....) - such a strong pwerful plant - thought for sure snow would break it down - came back even sturdier with a deeper bright yellow/green stripe color than ever! This is my one deversion other than a few Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) that has strayed from the OG family. Both worked well with the "look" & both have no upkeep. Thank you all for your wonderful tips as I was trying to decide last spring if this was truly the route to go!..........Most IMPORTANT - I actually prefer a nice dry cab with brie & crackers but my grasses perform just as well having a Kokonee! What more could you want out of life?