Lots of talk in my world about alternatives to pampass grass. Little discu=
ssion about what to use in place of variegated pampass (which is supposed t=
o be sterile but can be confusing for novices). Any suggestions?
Nan
Nan Sterman Plant Soup, Inc. TM
TalkingPoints@PlantSoup.Com
PO Box 231034
Encinitas, CA 92023
Order your personalized copy of the all new California Gardener's Guide vol=
II at www.PlantSoup.Com
Does it have to be variegated? If not, deergrass and calif. fescue are well=
-behaved (if less spectacular and much smaller) natives; and some of the la=
rge restios are dramatic and green. For bulk and presence and movement, loo=
k at some clumping bamboos -- Otatea does well here. For light-catching, mo=
untain mahoganies (or clematis on a trellis) are without peer. For vertical=
ity, how about some corn plants? (or a sculpture, if it has to be changeles=
s no matter what the season). Another good plant for movement is fairy wand=
.
I wouldn't frame the discussion as what to use "instead" of a noxious weed;=
if I were writing about this, I'd discuss the problems pampas grass causes=
, making its use in any new landscape a nonissue.
Tanya Kucak
