It is now really getting into Autumn days in Switzerland. Temperatures are quite cold early in the morning, around 4-5° C, although during the day we get some sun and they rise to around 11-12° C if we are lucky. It is the time in the garden to start thinking about clearing up. One plant that makes its best show in Autumn are the various grasses and the pampas in particular. The ears of the pampas are at their best.
I bought this grass about eight years ago. Then it was just a few stalks and so it remained for a year. In the second year I got about five ears in Autumn and today this is the show it makes every Autumn. In March I usually cut it back to a third with the electric saw. The middle is now quite hollow so I usually fill it up a bit with chicken dung pellets and give it a shower. That seems to be all it needs through the year, although I water it fairly regularly. When I cut I usually make sure to go upwards so that it does not spread so much at the bottom. About end of August I see that some stalks get thicker and in September the show starts. I have a smallish area and this just stands in the middle of the lawn: a thankful show every year.
WOw krikey Pat, one mans ornamentals is another mans weeds lol. or rather women's ...
ReplyDeletePampas grass here is seen as a very noxious weed... and woe on the one who has any around their yard lol...
It certainly is funny how the world turns. In Switzerland and Europe you have to buy them at the gardeners shops and they are not very cheap. They are very much admired here in the gardens and often used as a center-piece. Although it produces seeds eventually, I have never had any small versions springing up in my garden up to now. I think our climate is too cold for them to spread all over.
ReplyDeleteYes Pat, I think that's how it is too. Quite a few things that we paid expensively for in Sweden is regarded as noxious weeds here. It's quite funny really, how we want to control everything and if it can get out of control, it's not beautiful anymore but a dreaded weed lol!
ReplyDeleteI understand exactly what you girls are saying [ Pat and Mia]. Here Pampas grass is also a problem if unchecked. However the photo is glorious and we used to cut the grass and dye it then use it in flower arrangements here. A wonderful photo Pat and so good to learn about our differences in the gardens across the globe.
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful specimen. The plumes are so full, and a lovely contrast
ReplyDeleteagainst the blue sky.
Pampas (we call it toi toi here) grows so wild down the river from me. Kids use to like playing in it and using it for swords ;)
ReplyDeleteAnything for a weapon but they have grown not to be serial murderers
Tis a weed here, used for decorating, so a useful weed I guess