Agree it looks like a Carex, probably 'Frosted Curls'. Typically you tease out old dead leaves by combing through with your fingers so anything loose is tugged off. You can cut back but it's not always guaranteed to grow back well. They're not always the longest lived plants.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
Sorry senior moment I am confused. I wonder if they are Stipa tenuissima [Nasella] . The ends look very fluffy which you would expect. I was getting mixed up with the fiber optic plant. Definately not a light bulb moment.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
I don't think it is a problem with the depth of your planters. The cold wet winter has knocked them back. As you say S tenuissima now known as Nasella tenuissima. It will set seed if happy and often it is these plants that go on to make better specimens. This grass can also be split in spring.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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The ends look very fluffy which you would expect.
I was getting mixed up with the fiber optic plant. Definately not a light bulb moment.
I think it is a Stipa Tenuissima.
Theres definite green growth - and even what looks like seed - under the brown stuff.
The other grasses I have are probably the other types people have suggested. (carex etc). They seem to be doing fine.
Perhaps the beds are too shallow for the stipa? Theyre only a few inches deep.
It will set seed if happy and often it is these plants that go on to make better specimens.
This grass can also be split in spring.