winter grass

[Tiaris]

Yes, that's Panic Veldt grass (at least what I've always known it as) which does grow well in winter & also does well in shaded areas. Its the cold climate version of Panic. The one I call Winter grass is Poa annua (not sure of spelling), a much smaller plant. Just noticed VR!ton's post before submitting - I agree.

[Jayburd]

Okay thanks guys
As long as the birds like it it's good with me.

[Misso]

i call that plant African Veldt Grass here in melb, grows everywhere

birds love it.

thanks for posting pics

misso

[karl]

grows everywhere he too

[Tiaris]

May grow everywhere in cool climates but certainly won't do well anywhere other than shaded/moist areas in a warmer climate. Definitely struggles in open full sun locations around here. We used to call it Melbourne Grass when I was a kid (I sound like my dad - better shut up).

[E Orix]

Tiaris
In a pm sent to Jay that is what I called it, Melbourne Grass.That is what all the oldies called it.
It was our staple seeding grass when I lived in Melbourne and was most abundant in dampish shaded areas.

[Tiaris]

I have very high regard for it as a quality grass seed. About 7 years ago when I was still building my current aviaries, my dad was holding some birds for me including some White-eared Maskeds. They were kept in a basic holding aviary with an enclosed cane basket (since they are nest campers) & were fed on dry seed, grit & water. Other than this dad pegged up a handful of Panic Veldt heads each afternoon for them as he had a good patch of it growing at the time ( & couldn't resist doing the right thing by the birds). This was their entire diet for the 2 months they were there. To our surprise, the WE Masked pair reared a nice clutch of 4 young which were as well developed and healthy as any I have bred on far more "complete" diets before and since. Must be good stuff I reckon.

[VR1Ton]

I called it, Melbourne Grass.That is what all the oldies called it.

Wasn't there a post about pot calling the kettle?

Sorry mate couldn't resist it, it's to easy to pick on Fords, so I had to come up with something else

[Jayburd]

thanks guys. They sure like it! All the seed has already been stripped from the plant in there.
On a related topic, got my emu feathers from AMCA today and they are Loving them!!! All the ones in the RFPFs cage are gone, so clearly they are putting them in the next box I gave them... Good sign!!
Painteds have built another nest, and stacked about a tonne and half of couch grass on top... Hope it doesnt collapse the brush it's in!

[Fincho162]

Ehrharta erecta is the one u have as winter grass - same family as Veldt oats and perennial veldt grass - and our staple grass down here.
Originally from Sth Africa and arrived in stock bales from there way back in the early days of colonisation so I'm told.

Melbourne grass.........anyone old enougth to remember the origins of Zoo Grass from Melbourne......or is that lost in the mists of time - a Pennesetum grass!!??