Pampas Plant

[Eastender]

I have a Pampas plant in my garden and earlier in the year, the birds pecked of every bit of grass on it? I was wondering why at the time, I have now come to the conclusion, that the birds knew this snow and cold weather was coming. Any other gardeners noticed anything else odd. Talk about feathering the nest lol.

[agardner09]

I've only just spotted your question Eastender and as you might guess from my user name I'm curious. I've not run across anything damaging a Pampas they are so tough and the leaf edges are like razor blades. So when did the damage occur and do you mean the flower heads or the leaves? Did you notice what sort of birds were attacking them? And if the damage was months ago did the grass regrow?

[Eastender]

Hi just seen your thread, it was the flower heads. The birds picked them to the stem. Not sure what birds, sparrows etc. And yes they have regrown back. I thought it was odd at the particular time, as we have had the bush for over 20years and I've never seen that done before.

[johnk]

Perhaps they used it for nesting material

[agardner09]

Yep I'm sure you're right johnk sparrows are amazingly innovative. I don't think birds are weather forecasters despite some of them having that reputation e.g. the "stormcock" missel thrush though we do tend to see gulls coming inland before bad weather. Anyway as pampas can be cut or burnt to the ground (usually in February) having the birds do the job albeit out of season at least saves you a job!

[dennisb66]

I have the same problem every year with birds picking off the plumes for thier nests.

[venator]

Did you listen to Gardeners'Question Time the other day?

Someone made the comment that having pampas grass in the front garden is a signal that you're swingers!!!

(please note this is not my personal opinion, and that no resemblance is intended to any person or garden gnome, alive or dead!!!!)

[society]

Swingers!!! LOL