In this episode of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus interviews Shannon Currey, a horticultural educator and consultant with Izell Native Plants. They delve into the distinctions between ornamental grasses and turf grasses, and the ecological benefits of using grasses and sedges in garden design. Shannon provides insights into the growth cycles of warm season and cool season grasses, and offers practical advice on plant selection and maintenance. The episode also touches on the importance of planting densely, the ecological value of grasses, and tips for gardeners in different zones. Shannon shares her personal experiences and professional journey, aiming to inspire both novice and experienced gardeners to create beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance outdoor spaces.Are you ready to try something new? Then grasses and sedges could be your next garden adventure.You will find the opportunities for creating a rich layered interesting garden that serves more than an ornamental function.Developing the whole ecological package. Improving the soil and developing a more aesthetically functionating garden are in your future.We all need better solutions for suppressing weeds and gardening under trees.  Shannon is a horticultural educator and consultant with Izel Native Plants.She began her work life as a social scientist and then changed her career pursuit to horticulture at North Carolina State University.Shannon joined Hoffman Nursery, a wholesale grower specializing in grasses, sedges, and other graminoids.She has shared her advanced knowledge of graminoids in articles published nationally.You will often find her speaking across the country to professional organizations, community groups, and at public gardens.Shannon currently serves on the Perennial Plant Association’s Board of Directors and is on the North Carolina Plant Conservation Scientific Committee.She was honored in 2020 with the Libby Wilder Award from the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.In 2022 she joined Izel Native Plants to expand their education and outreach efforts.  Time Line00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast01:11 Introducing Shannon Curry: Horticultural Expert02:29 Understanding Ornamental and Turf Grasses03:19 Exploring Sedges and Their Ecological Value06:19 Warm Season vs. Cool Season Grasses11:23 Grasses and Sedges in Garden Design19:39 Practical Tips for Growing and Dividing Grasses and Sedges24:47 Adapting Northern Gardening Principles to the Southeast27:35 Mulch and Weed Management27:52 Choosing the Right Plants for Your Climate28:49 Starting Small and Experimenting29:54 The Unique Qualities of Grasses and Sedges30:18 Design Elements of Grasses32:16 Seasonality and Maintenance of Grasses34:05 Ecological Benefits of Grasses34:57 Cutting Back and Dividing Grasses37:33 Planting and Managing Grasses and Sedges41:36 Common Garden Myths and Mistakes42:03 Personal Gardening Experiences48:53 Future Gardening Plans and Favorite Plants50:16 New Horticultural Adventures52:15 Final Thoughts and How to Connect