Q: Our new yard has a grassy plant next to the front steps. It is about four feet high and has feathery plumes at the ends of stems. It is brown now. Do we cut it back?

A: It’s probably a clump of miscanthus, also known as maiden grass. It is very attractive throughout winter in an open part of a landscape but I think it could look obnoxious next to your steps. Ornamental grasses don’t transplant well in winter, so you’re stuck with it for the time being. Could you spray paint it red for the holiday season? Otherwise, cut it back any time between now and late February. Move the clump to a better spot in late March.