close up of the invading beast

I wouldn't rule out Miscanthus.

According to the Royal Horticultural A-Z the Miscanthas cararet has broad white centre stripe to the leaf with a green adge which is opposite to the other varigated varieties. I think it is Carex Silver Sceptre green stripe in the middle white on the edges,10" high Rhizomdious which I cannot find in the A-Z only on Google, or Glyceria which is in the A-Z which sounds more like the plant that I have which is a water plant grows on the edges of pools etc, and will also grow in damp soil. I cannot check the leaf, being dark at the moment, something we have to put up with now the days are drawing in!, but the leaf colour is white green white green white. see what yours looks like on close inspection. Hope we are getting somewhere!

Sorry Karenking I see yours is not Carex Silver Septre on a second look at your photo I see it has the numerous stripes looks like Glyceria!

Me again! try Glyceria variegata which is the more commonly grown and I believe no pink flush at the base of the leaves.

Maybe the Phalaris aruninacea - Feecey. I was thinning mine out at the weekend, it does get out of hand and a bit untidy looking.

I only know this as gardeners garters - it does spread but can be thinned out - I grow it in a wild area and the birds love the fluffy seed heads during spring to feather their nests.

Yes, Phalaris arundinacea var. picta is its Latin name. Terrible thug.

Yes, definitely Phalaris.If you grow it in an inhospitable, shady place it is not so thuggish and brightens up a dark north-facing space. It will turn pale cream as it dies down for winter, trim it back to ground level if it looks tatty later on. Dig up some bits for your shady places.

Iv this 2 &think its very pretty & no trouble in the rite place :)

I'm growing it in a pot stood in the pond as it likes a moist soil. It needs dividing every three years