Garden Mistake

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How many times have I heard, “find out the mature height and width before selecting a plant?” How about, “the right plant in the right place.” But, I couldn’t resist free plants when a neighbor offered to give me a couple of tall ornamental grasses. I love the graceful look and the winter interest they provide.

These grass monsters have taken over their space several times during the last 6 years. Each time we’ve had to dig up the huge root ball. We’ve had to hack the root ball in pieces with an ax. Then we’ve planted ¼ of the plant back in the hole.

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Zebra grass falls over in strong winds & rain. It blocks the garden paths. Cuts fingers if you’re not careful – like a very nasty paper cut. The root ball is now at least 2 feet in diameter.

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The other grass does the same and the root ball is now at least 3 feet in diameter. There is a rose bush under there somewhere. I cut back and tied up both grasses this week. They are both too large for the space.

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Spring cleanup is another saga. (see November 6, 2006 and April 2, 2008 posts .)

So, we’ll be digging out the ornamental grass next spring. We will not replant. Anyone who has space for these grasses will be welcome to them. Maybe, I’ll remember this lesson in the future.
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