Make a Mature Clump of Grass in Less Than an Hour

Living in So. California, palm trees are quite ubiquitous. I have several in my yard, and when the winds come, the fronds of the palms are strewn all over the place. In the past I would cut them up and send them to the recycle bin but had the idea of trying to recylcle them myself and make something of them. I have a side yard or border area that I have been landscaping, and thought a clump of grass would be very attractive to add drama and/or contrast to the area. So I decided to use the palm fronds in "making" a natural looking clump of grass. "Grass" should last a season, or two, and there are plenty of replacement fronds growing. Yes, a nice specimen of real grass can be added, and I plan on doing that, perhaps placing the new plant in the same area as this one.

Step 1: Collect Wind Blown Fronds

Gather palm fronds that have blown down, or been trimmed from trees.

Step 2: Trim Fronds to Size

Cut off frond end as shown, and cut a 2 x 2 inch stake to about 18 to 24 inches.

Step 3: Attach Fronds to Stake

Drill the stalk of the palm fronds as shown, and screw them to the 2 x 2 as pictured.

Step 4: Dig a Hole for Your Creation

I just dug down about 18 inches, and made the hole large enough to hold a 3 lb coffee can. This will be the holder for the palm fronds, much like a christmas tree stand would work. I wanted to use the can to keep the fronds from contact with the dirt so as to prevent premature rotting of the "bush".

Step 5: Place the Clump of Fronds Into the Coffee Can

Self explanatory, I did cut several pieces of wood about 8in x1in x 3/4 to use as wedges to tamp into place around the fronds and 2 x 2. Just use a hammer and tap them into place until you have enough to hold the fronds upright/in the position you want it to be. Push dirt around the base, and if necessary, stand back, check alignment, and trim with scissors if necessary. Project complete!