In the cut flower industry these are known as "green ball Dianthus". I'd never seen them in person until today, and they are very odd. I kept thinking if I stuck a couple of wobbly eyes to it, it would look like a Muppet! I read somewhere that it is a form of Dianthus barbatus, Sweet William. Looks like the inflorescence has mutated into something more leaf like- I couldn't see any actual flower parts (stamens, pistils, etc.).
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
