Pampering Your Pampas Grass

When the weather gets up to the 60s in February in Kansas, I get cagey. I throw open windows and start dreaming of fresh creamed peas and taters home grown to maters and all things from the garden. Of course, like a needle across a record, the weather man has predicted snow for us for the next few days so I’ll be back to building fires in the wood stove and sipping coffee.  But for now, I thought I would seized the day sip some lemonade, and pamper my pampas.

 Let’s get started. First you’ll need some grass: pampas, tall, maiden, zebra, or any other type of tall grass. (I traded for mine, it’s cheaper that way.) I like this stuff. Some people think it doesn’t belong in landscaping. Here at Reclaim Simplicity we are equal opportunity gardeners and think…if it’s hardy, drought tolerant, and comes back every year what’s not to love. (Bonus: kids can use the plumes as swords as you see in the picture, the one on the right is pretty well depleted.)

Second you’ll need some kind of pruners. Here I have baby bear, mama bear, and papa bear (looking a little rusty and dull, must still be hibernating). Feel free to use any cutting device or nursery rhyme you like. 

Then start cutting. Note, I didn’t say burn. I’m a pyro, too, but you’ll lose your support for the long plumes if you burn. I cut my grass back in the spring, because I like what it adds to my landscape through out the winter. If you are an over achiever and like to trim it back in the late fall, knock yourself out, don’t let me hold you back. Cut 8-10 inches above the ground. Leaving this much grass will support the new grass and will help your shoots or plumes stand tall in their very best posture. Here’s what it looks like when you are done.

Ready for spring snow I mean. DRATT! February is the longest short month. I think it’s starting to affect me.

Simply,

Sis

Tags: gradening tips, grass, pruning, spring