Grasses?

I know the responsible answer is NOT to burn but here’s the story…

Okay, I didn’t even know this was an option until last year. Due to my involvement with The Giving Gardens, I end up mucking about in many gardens that I would not be mucking about in otherwise. One day I was in a particularly beautiful garden in East (names are withheld to protect the guilty) and I looked down to see a big burned area in the ground with bright green fresh grass shoots emerging from the charred

ground. That one visual along with the memory of my son lighting one of my holiday arrangements (evergreens, white roses and DRIED GRASS PLUMBS) up like a roman torch 2 minutes before my entire family walked through the door for our Christmas party, was enough. No need to ask any silly questions.

So, a few weeks ago I asked my family to help me with spring clean up of the yard, since we’re trying to be fiscally responsible and doing many things ourselves these days. This included cutting down and hauling away thirty-five Miscanthus ‘Giganteus’ grasses…the ones that are 10′ tall and look like bamboo (i.e HUGE!). I had zero buy-in from the fam until I said, “I think we may be able to burn them”. Everyone’s ears perked up, eyes brightened, someone ran to get the lighter, and hoses were immediately aimed and ready. I don’t usually get this response when asking for help in the garden.

Just know that dried grasses are extremely flammable and burning them is dangerous. But, we were armed with many sets of eyes and hoses.

It was a cold day. The fires were warm. We did not get a ticket from the city (yay!). And, everyone excitedly pitched in to help. Other than being totally illegal (I am assuming)…it got the job done with no tears from the kids. I’d say that idea was a success, although you may have another opinion.

Proceed with caution!