Submitted by Joan Regan
Garlic Mustard – Sure seems to be on a lot of folks’ hate lists lately, and rightfully so. This particular Garden Thug spreads by roots (that seem to be on steroids) and by seeds – and lots of them.
The first time I noticed it I was thinking “isn’t that a pretty little thing” dainty little flowers above bright green foliage, so I left it. After all, it was at the base of the tile bed and nowhere near the gardens. The next year she was back and brought her whole family with her. Hmmm – problem. Pulled everyone out and put them in a plastic bag, but next year back again – nowhere near as many, but she came back. This year all I could find in this small area was pulled out and disposed of and the whole area is being covered with heavy cardboard overlapped and it will stay there and checked weekly.
Google it to see what it looks like and get ahead of it. I don’t like chemicals so hopefully the cardboard gets rid of it. It worked very well with the Gout Weed a couple of years ago.
Yellow Archangel – This pretty Garden Thug is very eye-catching with its variegated green and white leaves and pretty stalks of yellow flowers, but come spring, watch out for her. She likes sun, shade, and everything in between, and will travel at great speed up and over everything in her path. If her and Gout Weed were in a race she would win hands down.
She is in spots in our yard that cardboard would be impossible to use, so I just yank her out constantly and put everything in plastic bags as well. She is more vine like the Gout so she will slither up and over rocks as well, and up into the holes in the bottom of planters, poking her head up on the top. So my morning garden walk is with a plastic bag now instead of a cup of coffee.
Ajuga – Some call this plant a nuisance, but I really like her. She is pretty with her burgundy leaves and dainty pink flowers and if she goes where I don’t want her to I simply pull her out, usually tucking her in amongst some rocks where she seems to like to be.
My garden is slowly waking up. So many birds – Mr. and Mrs. Robin are back and both flitting back and forth to their nest. I noticed some additional decor in the nest a while ago. So nice to see them back along with the Hummers. Spring has sprung.
Time to get out and enjoy being “In The Garden”.
Keep Safe and Happy Gardening,
Joni
jpregan@amtelecom.net 519-596-2389
