Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses
I am taking advantage of a sunny, off-day from work to trim back our ornamental grasses. If you didn't do this in the fall, this is a good time - you want to cut them back before new growth starts in the spring. I always wait until late winter because I think the grass add lots of character to the winter garden.
This is a simple enough job but clean-up can be a hassle. Here is a tip to make the job go faster and less messier.
Use a thick string or whatever you have to tie the grass together before you cut it (bungee cords are great for this too). Then, after you cut the grass, it will fall in a bundle instead of going all over the place! I use my hedge trimmers for this job and it works great.
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
I always leave the grass in place for winter interest and for wildlife to enjoy.... This is a great tip and time for me to get out the clippers...
ReplyDeleteI do the string trick too. Makes it so much easier. Love this warmer weather.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you use the cut grass? In compost? Or as a mulch?
ReplyDelete-Ray
Now that is an excellent tip! It takes me longer to pick up all the stems than it does to cut them !! I will do the string thing next time ! Like you I always leave grasses until late winter/ early Spring before I cut them back as I think they add so much interest to the gloomy winter garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tip!
ReplyDeleteYes, I "bundle". And I bought a cordless hedge trimmer specifically to use on the ornamental grasses. Makes it a snap!
ReplyDeleteWhich ornamental grasses do you have Phillip and do you cut them all back the same (same time, same height)?
ReplyDeleteAaron, I cut all of them back to the ground. I have "Morning Light", "Adagio", "Northwind" and a few that I don't know the names of. :)
ReplyDeleteGood one Phillip!~~Dee
ReplyDeleteNever tried doing this but sure going to in a few days. I leave mine thru the winter too. Thanks for tip.
ReplyDelete