On Fri, 16 Apr 2004 19:26:04 +0100, "Vicky"
wrote:


"Tara" wrote in message
...
Is it at all possible to grow pampass grass in a container (a very large 1
presumably)?


How do you get rid of one already established in your garden and do you know
anything about the root spread of these things? I have one positioned next
to an underground tank and I'm concerned it may breach it.

Vicky

Roots are fibrous, much like any other grass but a bit thicker. They
don't spread much beyond the central core of top growth. I doubt your
tank is in danger.

IME they are not difficult to dig out if you so wish, given the right
tools. I removed two medium-sized specimens (about 5 ft across the
base) this time last year with sharp garden shears and a heavy grub
axe (bit like a pick axe but with a heavy mattock blade on one side
and an axe blade on the other). Cut off all the top growth with the
shears, then hack out the 'stump' and roots with the grub axe, working
round the circumference to gradually reduce its diameter. Make sure
you wear long sleeves and garden gloves as otherwise the fronds will
cut you. Took about an hour for each clump, but very hard work.


--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net