I am big proponent of not placing any rows of plants or shrubs- formal gardens are not my thing. Also to consider that same hosta will not look the same- due to sun/shade/ water combination even same type of hosta placed in the row will look slightly different from each other. Why not place one of each- many hostas will compliment each other and you could choose several that will have some similarities as far as coloration goes. I would go with couple of blues, couple of greens and couple of yellow middle/ yellow edge. Then consider shape of the hosta clump- some are vase shaped and some mound type, some are tight mound and some are loose.
Some hostas that come to mind are Cutting Edge and Salute- vase shape with blue-green color. Queen of the Seas is very impressive but might be little large for you. Out of greens I like Wrinkles and Crinkles, Neat and Tidy, Witches Brew.

Good point, lindalana!
I'm not a formal garden person myself...I just like the thought of all those blooms nodding in the breeze at the same time. When you have a small garden as I do, it's hard to get a dramatic effect since your drifts are so small. Thanks for the advice! I particularly like Neat & Tidy and Witches Brew.

Candy Dish describes the dark green and shiny you are looking for and it also has a ruffled edge. The size listed is 12 x 24 or larger. I just picked it up this year and it is a beauty. I got mine from Bob Solberg. It is pretty pricey this year but perhaps it will come down a bit next year. I was lucky and got it on a two for one special. Send me a message next spring and I will see if it is has grown enough to send you a division. You can see info and a picture on Bob's site or visit the Hosta Library. Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Green Hill Farm

thanks, zafo! candy dish IS the kind of hosta I had in mind...I love its round shape, glossiness, & puckery edges.

What do you all think about lindalana's idea about different colored hostas complementing the japanese forest grass--there's a Cap't Kirk already there in the photo (although it'd be too big eventually)...more variety maybe b/c the forest grass is so the same?

I think that lindalana had a great idea with variety. I love different color combos with hakone grass. Blues especially look outstanding. I actually have Captain Kirk near one of mine along with Christmas Candy, Taffeta, and Dorset Clown. Check out a picture of Taffeta on the Hosta Library. The second picture is the closest to resembling the dark green shiny leaves. I never see much about this hosta but I love it. The dark green color stays throughout the season.

Check out this link that was posted in a thread earlier this year. It links to Fine Gardening Magazine's website and shows a couple of good pictures featuring Hakone grass and hosta. The article suggests creating vignettes or scenes within your design. A 16 ft garden might suggest one or perhaps two scenes with some common or repeating elements. I really like the last photo with the reverse variegated hostas combined with the grass. This photo reinforces the idea that there should be a flow or rhythm in the garden, factoring in height, size, texture, etc... and supports the above arguments for some variety. I'm a collector to a fault and I am trying to reign in my "one of each" mentality somewhat with some mass plantings and repeating colors - mostly with companion plants. It's a very early work in progress. Good luck with your raised bed!

Here is a link that might be useful: Design Featuring Hakone Grass

"HACHONOCHLOA AUREOLA"???? Sounds like what I do in the morning to clear my throat!

LOL LOL upnort!

Connie

wait a minute now...are we having fun at the expense of my poor japanese forest grass (i'll avoid the latin phrase right now, thank you!)...OR just my spelling??!!...I can barely say "that" word must less spell it ;-)

I loved your suggestions, hostabuff, and, as a matter of fact, had actually filed a copy away (IN COLOR!) of that Fine Gardening article re: design. There's a great one, too, on designing with hostas. My problem is that I can only get in about 6-7 plants in the 16' feet long raised bed, all in a row, so I'm kinda stuck "rhythm" and "flow" wise...ah well, I've got all winter, I suppose, to think about it...

Hey mycitygarden!! I wouldnt call your grass "poor" it is relatively expensive in my area, just for a tiny portion. I have 3 different types of that grass. Love them all!! The golden Hack grass I like to plant near blue hosta

Paul

ps it is pronounced as far as i know ha con na clo a

That is the only name i know it as! my friends think i am a freak when i call it by the correct name, they just lift there eyebrows and try to pronounce it!! i just tell them to call it hack grass!!