Hello from the Valleys :)

You are a very friendly bunch, even if you are mad!

I am seriously hoping that I do pick it up as I go along as there is an awful lot of it out there! I always wanted a pampas grass (shades of my childhood) and now I seem to have seven! And so many other plants, many of which are a mystery and 2/3rds are still under the soil so I havn't a clue what is there.

I am going to just watch and maintain this year - aside from trying a few veggies and maybe plant some roses.

 

Hi Jesaya and welcome. Careful with the pampas grass, we had a discussion about its merits and drawbacks soon after I joined GC. The general opinion was that it is invasive once established. I have 4 different ones and every few years have to burn them down. It doesn't kill the roots and it's lovely to hear them, as they go up in smoke, shouting 'I'll be back'. And they always are.

 

Wow, I think my neighbours might think I am odd setting fire to the pampas! Isn't it safer to just cut them down?

 

Try it. They come back so quickly and strongly that it does more harm than good. After burning they still come back the following year but don't spread (as much).

 

I am scared now... they sound like triffids!

 

Not at all. Pampas is harmless and if you want to keep cutting it back then no problem. Triffids are in my opinion Puyas which are very very vicious with very nasty needles. Try Googling 'Puya'. I have several. I love them. But then I'm mad.

 

Ok I googled it... and now I really want a Puya alpestris. And I blame you!

 

Yup that's what GC is all about, exchanging ideas. My alpestris is my favourite. You can get them on eBay for about �£8 including shipping. Others are probably slightly cheaper but the alpestris is the most phenomenal. But you do really need a greenhouse for the winter months. I just got one and I had them in the house until 2 weeks ago. Mrs. Sarra went mad at the spines. In summer no problem but don't put them near a path.

 

I have a greenhouse.. well two actually (the people who lived here before us were really keen gardeners!). And 'cos we live in a valley I have some sloping borders where one would go safely.

Thanks - I have a plant on my list...

 

Is it just me or have we got a gremlin in the works here as it seems that some of page 1 has been copied to page 2! :confused:
Helen.xxx.

 

Don't think so Helen. You weren't drinking puya juice last night were you?

 

Lady of leisure = 1 is a guava plant 2 is Fatshedera i think and no 3 is Bromeliad possibly Tillandsia

 

Hello, Aster ... I have received your e-mail and answered you in a PM.

 

Hey LoL. How did this get in here?

 

Hi John ... having sent me an e-mail with the same content, Aster put it here ... so I was being polite and answering it here.

As I'm from the Valleys, guess I can be here.

Whilst speaking ... it's not me doing the Mystery Object? :D

And a bom ano novo to you to.