If you are looking for a shrub to use as an evergreen hedge, I suggest the yew family, as these tough evergreens come in many forms and sizes and thrive in sun or shade. Port Orchard Cedar is another evergreen you may like. You also asked about plants to go near tall grasses. Do you mean ornamental grasses or weedy grasses that grow in a ditch? A great plant to mix with ornamental grasses is the perennial called Rudbeckia. It comes back each summer with tall daisy like blooms. Sedum Autumn Joy and hard asters are two more perennials that look great with tall grasses. Hope this helps your design ideas and feel free to send a photo if that would help me understand your design and landscape situation. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti