On 18/11/04 1:03, in article , "Mike Lyle"
wrote:

Janet Baraclough.. wrote:
snip 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.

I think that sort of planting works because both are being given their
architectural heads. Even the one suburban specimen my daughter has in
her back garden acts as a screen to the neighbour's garden - but we both
still hate it! ;-)
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the weeds to email me)