IT SOMETIMES seems like growing grasses in gardens is something of a recent fashion, with the exception of lawns of course. But, actually their use as a feature has been with us for a long time.

Originally, ornamental grass planting was all down to the stately 'pampas grass'. Through the 1960s, this was the iconic statement of swinging fashionability, single specimens standing proudly in front of swish suburban bungalows. Perhaps outdated for a while, they are now making something of a comeback...

This giant among grasses produces a tussocky fountain of foliage two metres high and as much across. Each thin silvery leaf blade is armed with razor sharp saw edges, and is vicious enough to dissuade any grazing animal, however large, of making a meal of it. It is the great plumes of the flower spikes that are its finest feature, however. Like bristling javelins that have hit their target, these particular papery skinned spears finish in distinctive foot long feathery white seed heads As gardens clear of interest at this time of year, few plants are left standing and fewer still stand out. That is where these tall grasses really play their part. Those huge decorative wands sway and play in the wind giving movement and life to the garden when little else can cope with such testing conditions.

Originally from the endless grassy plains of South America, in recent years the original native species, Cortaderia selloana, has been augmented by newly developed cultivars. Although silvery cream plumes are the norm, pink flowered forms are also available, and there are also smaller, more manageable varieties.

They are not too fussy over their requirements in the garden and as long as they are not waterlogged they should thrive. It is thought that one plant can go on to produce over a million seeds in its lifetime, and in some parts of the world they have become quite a problem. Fortunately in our country, few go on to germinate and the only difficulty encountered might be in trying to eventually remove an established specimen. Their tough, deeply anchored, fibrous roots may need a mini-digger to grub out.

Traditionally, they were tidied up on a dry day in spring by setting fire to them. Although they quickly regrow it is no longer recommended, and instead an annual short back and sides with shears will suffice.

Chris Crowder is head gardener at Levens Hall chris.crowder@me.com

Jobs to do this week:

Spread compost out over bare soil and dig it in - warming work if the soil is workable.

If it is too cold or wet to make useful progress out in the garden, spend some time tidying up the shed and cleaning pots and seed trays ready for next year.

Start pruning soft fruits like currants and gooseberries. Also tree fruits such as apples and pears.