Cut or comb the dead vegetation away in early spring, but be careful not to damage emerging shoots at the base of the clump. Tuck the dead leaves into a corner where they can't blow away - the birds will appreciate the nesting material.

Stipa gigantea makes a glorious specimen in the garden, especially by water. The effect is of a fountain, with the loose oat-like flowers shooting high above the clump of leaves to sparkle in the sunlight. The 2m high clump ripens to golden brown through the summer, contrasting well with greener plants, and the dry foliage remains as a winter focal point.

On a smaller scale, the golden garden version of our wild tufted hair grass (Deschampsia) will produce a similar effect, but prefers partial shade, unlike Stipa which is a sun-lover. Smaller grasses are effective whether planted singly or in groups. Amongst those which keep their colour throughout the year are the non-invasive evergreen fescues (such as blue-grey Festuca ovina glauca) with their fine leaves and delicate flowers.