Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Gyoku Ryu’ – ​This little "turtle' is a miniature Mondo Grass composed of congested dark green arching, stubby blades. It looks a lot like a sophisticated Armeria. It’s really cute! Some bonsai growers will plant a pot of ‘Gyoku Ryu’ as a contrasting counterpoint - a palette cleanser, if you will, between bonsai specimens. Used as a ground cover by bonsai enthusiasts it suggests grass when planted under a bonsai tree. In the larger garden it can be planted en masse and will form a dense and low weed-proof carpet. ‘Gyoku Ryu’ is actually coming through for us in the microclimate of a south facing border. Spring planting is advised if you are to attempt them in the north.