Janet Baraclough.. wrote:
The message
from "Mike Lyle" contains
these
words:


Why is it that otherwise almost-rational people, such as me,
dislike
the things? Is it just the way they're planted, do you think? I
suspect I could like them in certain situations, but can't
visualize.

IMHO they look miserable, isolated in a little round hole in the
middle of a lawn. I didn't fall for pampas until I saw it planted
in
large drifts, looking dramatic and vibrant as scores of creamy
plumes
waver in the breeze.

Our neighbours are lovely, but we want a (tactful) visual screen
between our front gardens. I'm growing a staggered curve of pampas
plants (seedling to dustbin-size in 2 years)) at the back of a
large
boggy bed, behind gunnera manicata, variegated bullrushes, and
purple
phormium.

Now you're talking! It's definitely the suburban "Look at me!"
specimen planting which Fs it up. Like a monkey puzzle, but
fortunately seasonal, and at least has the grace not to reach fifty
feet. Drifts and such is what it wants. (Not that I think a drift of
monkey puzzles would be a good idea: different train of thought.)

Interesting that, like Keith, you have it in association with
gunnera.

Mike.