Although grasses are fashionable in gardening circles at the moment, many of them really don’t perform very well. A notable exception is a gorgeous new blue coloured Australian native grass. It is called Mingo, which is claimed to be the aboriginal name for kangaroo grass.
Common name: Mingo Grass
Botanic name: Themeda australis var. Mingo
Description: Tussock-forming Australian native grass with lush blue foliage, 75-100mm (3-4″) tall.
Best climate: Mingo grass will grow in most areas of Australia, including mountain zones below the snow line.
groundcover mixed among rocks native garden
pretty blue leaves low maintenance less spindly and thin than many other grasses sterile, so it won’t cause environmental problems
not readily available as yet
Mingo may be hard to find – try your local native nursery or turf supplier. It is currently unavailable in the Northern Territory, but Abulk Pty Ltd will supply it mail order. Phone: (02) 4577 5912. Expect to pay $1.50 each for viro-tubes, and $7-$8 for a 150mm (6″) pot.