Thought the Miniature bamboo was nice at first - can't seem to kill it off no matter how I try. It is spreading rapidly all over the garden, choking everything it comes into contact with. It is even shooting through the decking slats. Tried allsorts - digging, weed killer, burning it - you name it, I have tried it.. Anyone got any ideas or information that can help me?
|
 |
 Set up a market stall ? I know what you mean Linda.... they can be very invasive once they get going. This wet 'summer' will have suited it down to the ground. Other than keep digging it up I don't know what I would suggest. Even just chopping it off will eventually weaken it and it may just relinquish the fight.
|
|
 Linda Doherty Hi The best way to go with this may be to use Glyphosate on it. Spray or paint some of the leaves and it should kill it off down to the roots. You may need to make two or more fortnightly applications. The Glyphosate will kill anything green so you will have to protect plants in the same area. You can buy Glyphosate at any Pound Shop, that is if they have not moved the Christmas stuff in yet.!! Bazza
|
|
 I have just read your Bamboo report, blimey! thank goodness mine is in a pot, I shall certainly make sure my Husband doesn' put it in the garden, we have got a pampas grass that we cut right back last year as we have had it for over 10 years and never a flower, but this year we have one flower at long last, so it must have needed that kick up the bottom to get it going!!! gorgeous weather we are having at the moment, even too hot to sit in our conservatory.Bye for nowM
|
|
Marjorie... I don't suppose this will be considered socialable these days... not quite PC... but we used to have a pampas grass a while back that stood as a specimen plant in the lawn and we used to set fire to it every year in the autumn and it would burn down to a stump. It used to 'flower' very well every year. I think it's because where they grow in the prairies they have fires and they come back again each year. You could also try it and stand by with a bucket of water or a hosepipe. Just make sure it's not against a wooden fence!!
|
|
Hi Pamela, regarding my Pampas grass, that sounds very brutal ha ha, and as much as I would love to carry out your remedy, I would have a bit of a job on, as it is at the yop of our garden and surrounded by an apple tree and a pear tree, so I don't think that would be very feasible, pity!! it will have to take it's chances. Bye for now. M
|
|
It may be that is the reason for it's reluctant to 'flower' if it is shaded by the trees. Grasses like the Pampas would prefer an open sunny situation.
|
|
Thanks Pamela, I am afraid it will have to take it's chances now, as we are too old to go digging it up, my Husband is 81 and I am 80 next birthday, and it is where I wanted it in the first place, to be able to see it waving in the breeze from my bedroom window, as our back garden is on a very steep slope, with thirteen steps going up to the first piece of flat patio.
|
|
Yep... leave it... the grass itself will be attractive even if you don't get the plumes you want. Fingers crossed that it performs for you next year.
|
|
denotes Subscriber-only content | Wednesday 7 January 2009 | Help | Glossary 
