Golden-Variegated Hakone Grass ... Silver Sedge (Carex platyphylla): Beautifully textured groundcover for deciduous shade, with pointed power blue leaves 1 inch wide by 12 inches long.

And if you prefer variegated versions, there's Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light'; Carex conica 'Hime-kan-suge' (shade tolerant as well) and Alopecurus pratensis 'Aureovariagatus' (foxtail grass).

Carex gravi, mace sedge, grows to 45-60cm, sprouting distinctive star-like seed heads. It’s an ideal plant if you like cut flowers. Even if you live by the sea, sedges will come to the rescue.

Carex 'Silver Sceptre' A close relative of 'Cappuccino,' 'Silver Sceptre' is an evergreen perennial grass. It grows to about 12 or 14 inches and looks nice surrounded by variegated plants.

Turn on a bright light in your garden by planting the variegated Japanese sedge Carex oshimensis 'Evergold.' Its narrow leaves have a yellow center stripe, and the small plant -- to 1 foot high by ...

In any season, white, cream, and yellow highlights on trees, shrubs, or perennials create an impressive contrast. But in winter's low light, the contrast becomes one of any garden's best assets.