Golden Oats

Sourcing and buying Stipa gigantea is not a problem, for this magnificent grass is a tried and tested old favourite but do please take a bit of time to position it. This is not the occasion to walk round the
‘Golden oats’ perfectly describes this majestic grass; the shimmering, oat-like flowers (2m) are very long lasting, starting off in June and lasting well into the autumn and beyond. To see one grown as a specimen is an arresting sight.
Some might say that stipa gigantea is a low maintenance plant, but I have to disagree; ours are quite ancient now and have consequently formed a hefty tuft of leaves at the base which definitely need combing through come the springtime.
One year this was brought home to me when I came upon a pheasant sitting on her eggs in the midst of this mass of untidy foliage! I have learnt to don sturdy gloves for the task, and more importantly protective goggles, as the stems are bare by then and I have discovered that it is all too easy to miss seeing the pointy ends as you comb through the dross.
NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 inc P & P and is for sale in our online shop here.
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