It's no secret that I love my Pampas (Cortaderia selloana). It's a big, grassy, lush, fast-grower that screens a very public corner of the back garden both summer and winter.
I loved watching it gain in stature and screening power as it matured while the garden around it changed and grew.
But this love is not blind, and like any long-term relationship it's also no secret that I have had some issues with it over the years. Cold-sensitivity, pinky-beige plumes (when they finally appeared) and
razor-sharp leaves are a few of the things that make it a
less-than-perfect garden resident.
This winter our harsh weather did a number on the poor plant. While not technically dead, the whole thing yellowed to the point that it became exceedingly (and unattractively) dead-looking.
It was doing nothing for our winter view, and although there were signs of recovery, it was clear it would take
at least a year to really green up nicely.
So just like that, I was over it. And out it came.
The result is a big chunk of valuable garden real estate, and the delightful problem of what to plant in its place.
The winning candidate needs to contend with the increased morning shade from the neighbor's big, hell-strip magnolia, be relatively fast-growing, provide winter and summer screening, and be able to tolerate some hot, late afternoon sun.
Actually, we already have a winner, but I'll save the reveal for another post!
I loved watching it gain in stature and screening power as it matured while the garden around it changed and grew.
This winter our harsh weather did a number on the poor plant. While not technically dead, the whole thing yellowed to the point that it became exceedingly (and unattractively) dead-looking.
So just like that, I was over it. And out it came.
Oh No, I want to know what you're planting in its place! Please don't keep it a secret for long. Wow! I thought MY grasses made a mess when I cut them back.
ReplyDeleteAlison, I confess we had help to remove it. I didn't have to do anything except clear a path to it by removing some sedums and protecting the valuable perennials.
DeleteWhat Alison said! Tell us, tell us now!
DeleteWhat a job! Hopefully there were no cuts involved. I can't wait to find out what you're putting in its place.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note thank you for the photo of your wooden tomato cage, I wanted to share it with a friend and you've saved me having to search for it. Can I ask where you bought it? Or maybe you or Ben built it?
No cuts to me, danger - see my comment to Alison above.
DeleteBen built the tomato cages, so I can't send you a source. They're pretty straightforward frames, though, and he put a reddish stain on them so they didn't look too raw.
I inherited a sad, tired pampas grass when we moved into our current house. I couldn't wait to get rid of it, but, man, those leaves ARE razor sharp. I hired help to get it done. If you DIY'd it, I'd love to hear your tips.
ReplyDeleteWe hired someone to remove it, Pam, so sorry, no hints to pass along. The guy who did it gave the whole thing a haircut then hauled away the armloads of leaves before digging out the stump. He earned his fee!
DeleteThat is a huge freed up space! Looking forward to your reveal!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's a project. I can't wait to see what you've chosen to put in that space.
ReplyDeleteI always liked Pampas grass in other people's gardens best. It's one of those plants on my "Not to Plant" list.
ReplyDeleteSuch a popular grass in the old days here, but they do go brown in unusual cold - duration and/or intensity. Maybe it's our hotter summers that green them up fast, after cutting to ground? Sorry your's had to go, but can;t wait to see the replacement!
ReplyDeleteSo sad to see it go...it was so handsome...but I totally don't blame you...and look at all that space!
ReplyDeleteWhen the love affair is over, an abrupt ending is best. Like others, I am eager to see what you have found that meets all of your requirements. I had a Sambuca nigra that was the star of the garden for two years then turned all nasty. That at least rid me of any lingering loyalty and out it came.
ReplyDeleteI always thought Pampas needed to be cut back every year anyway ? I look forward to this space !
ReplyDeleteanxiously awaiting the replacement reveal. And I have to say, looking at your old photos, I haven't seen so much green since visiting Ireland. I sometimes forget what intense green looks like.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have someone take it out for you! Having that much space tpo play with is exciting! Looking forward to seeing the replacement!
ReplyDeleteYour pampas grass looked a lot like a haystack. Any chance your winner is red elderberry?
ReplyDeleteHere that is a nasty invasive weed, so your replacement will be a huge improvement in the eyes of a So Cal gardener (as if that matters). Isn't a sudden empty expanse fun? But cut the suspense--what gets the spot?
ReplyDeleteSo, this project might be called Pamp and Circumstance?
ReplyDeleteI have a DWARF pampas grass in the front yard that really needs its annual haircut right about now. It receives no summer water whatsoever and has stayed dwarf, only reaching about 3 feet in diameter in ten years. However the leaves are the same as its big cousin--razor sharp. I wear long sleeves and gloves when dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteI really like the look of yours in the back of the garden with the palm next to it. I am sure you found something equally charming to replace it. I was thinking of Miscanthus 'Cosmopolitan'. It's a tall, variegated thing and looks great for most of the year. But maybe you're over the grasses thing and have a tree in mind? I can't wait for the big reveal!