"Dave Hunt" wrote in message
...
I planted some ornamental grasses for the first time last summer, (having
been
gardening for over 40 years!)...and very good they looked too. Can they be
cut
back hard at this time of year to encourage new growth ? I know that the
blue
varieties are best just left, but what about other types...advice
welcomed!


It does very much depend on which you have!

Miscanthus - cut back to 30/40 cm

Stipa - pull gently on old foliage/flower if it comes away easily do so. If
it sticks to a firm tug leave it.

Other evergreen types - tend to leave alone or treat as stipa.

Deciduous forms - cut back the old brown foliage BUT beware you may have
bronze forms of evergreens (!) which you should not cut back!

check out; http://www.abulk.com.au/Grasses/page0011.htm

pk