Hilda: You mentioned that you forgot to trim your Miscanthus and they grew too tall and flopped. How and when do you trim them? Do the blades look clipped like lawn grass does? I've often wondered about doing this but was afraid to mangle the display for a whole year.

Claire

Hi, Claire ~

When I remember, I begin clipping the blades when they are about a foot tall. I don't just shear across. I go in and out with my hand clippers. It is time consuming and hubby thinks I'm nuts. Of course, he's right!

However, if done at least a couple of times, it avoids having the messy disaster we had this year. And once the plumes (right word?) begin to elongate, I stop.

We only have two groupings/plantings of the Miscanthus, one on either side of the driveway in front of a wall. We had the wall repointed this year removing a couple of hooks behind each planting, where we could thread some wire if needed to help hold up the display. Big mistake.

Will try to find a photo!

~ Hilda

Thanks, Hilda. I'd love to see photos - I'm trying to visualize what the miscanthus looks like with a haircut.

Claire

Dear Claire ~

Have not found a photo yet of our miscanthus with a haircut (LOL). However, in my August 7th Seasonal Chores entry on the website, the photo shows one of our two plantings of miscanthus (top right) as it looked then, not having had any trimmings all summer. The wall is more than 5' tall, so you can imagine how much taller the miscanthus was a month+ later!

If and when I find a photo, I'll have to learn how to upload one here. Have never done...

As my grandson often says, "Grammie, don't you know how to [fill in the blank]?" (LOL)

~ Hilda

Here is a link that might be useful: BostonGardens.com

Hilda: We have an FAQ (I'm never sure whether it's "an" FAQ or "a" FAQ - depends on whether you think of it as F.A.Q. or as Frequently Asked Question):

This tells you how to upload one or more photos in a message.
How do I include a photo in my post?

GW also has a feature where you can upload one photo at a time. I've never used it and I'm not seeing the link here now.

Claire

The link to post a photo is at the end of the line right under "Post a Follow-Up" at the end of the thread, a button that says "Choose File". It lets you navigate to wherever the photo is stored on your hard drive.

Thank you, nhbabs!

Of course, I haven't been able to find any photos of the miscanthus early in the season.

So sorry, Claire!

~ Hilda