First of all, make sure your permanent planting position for the pampas grass is at least 6-7 feet from the patio. As for planting them, if they are in a pot to begin with, plant the grass to the original depth it was planted in, meaning don't bury the crown of the plant. If unsure, plant the grass a little high, and then apply some light mulch around the base( I mean light, don't volcano it). Plant them between 5-7 feet apart, assuming they are the common C. selloana and not the dwarf "Pumila".

thank you very much. I hope this works, my patio is so open to the neighborhood. I think its a good soultion, hope I sprout a green thumb!

Pampas Grass is just beautiful. I lived in southern Illinois until 2 years ago I missed my beautiful pampas grass so much i was always going to it touching the leaves. I took such good care of it and always cut it back in March so wild animals could take harbor in it during winter storms. I moved to upstate new york 2 years ago and just last week I bought a large pot of pampas grass that I hope will thrive in my yard like my other one did. I still miss it .. it was like a baby to me. please don't laugh.

I know how you feel about grass foliage. Something about it really captivates doesn't it.

I'd be surprised though if you had true pampas grass, cortaderia sp. It wouldn't likely have been hardy in your area. I definitely don't think you'd find it surviving in upstate new york. Sometimes other species of cascading grasses are generically called pampas grass.

Very good point about waiting until spring to cut back. Winter grasses do provide for animals and birds during winter months.

I HAVE A PAMPAS GRASS IN MY FRONT GARDEN BUT IT DOESNT LOOK VERY HEALTHY WHAT CAN I DO TO IT TO MAKE IT GROW AND LOOK HAPPY I CAN SEE A LITTLE BIT OF GREEN UNDERNEATH THE BROWN DEAD LOOKING FOLIAGE DO YOU THINK ITS STILL ALIVE

Sandra...cut it back to just above any new shoots of foliage. If it isn't in a full sun (6-8 hours per day), move it.