What I DON'T Want To See In the Garden

I say weeds are the number one nemesis of all gardeners. But what exactly is a weed? Oftentimes it is said a weed is simply a plant in the wrong place. That can define a weed. A weed can also be a harmful plant, such as poison ivy. I think a weed is anything growing in my garden which I do not want. It can be something as pretty as these violets, or something as ugly as a dandelion (sorry you dandelion lovers), or something sold as an ornamental plant which ends up being invasive, like the Houttuynia.

I really like my garden. I like it a lot but just don't like seeing weeds. Especially weeds I have worked hard to eradicate for several years, and also weeds which just can't seem to be killed. All three of these weeds fall into the hard to kill category.

I am told some 2-4D will wipe out the violets. Maybe, but I don't use these types of pesticides. I have decided that I will negotiate a truce and let them be. I guess the lawn is a bit more colorful with the pretty purple blooms. What makes me really mad about these violets is that I actually purchased the plants from a Master Gardener plant sale! Sometimes when we have a new garden we are eager to plant anything, but it is not a good idea. Don't do it!

The houttuynia is probably the worst ornamental in my garden. Keep in mind I have made the mistake of planting invasive plants including not only the violets, but vinca, liriope spicata, and Artemesia vulgaris 'Limelight'. All have pretty much been eliminated. All except the houttuynia. Here is the kicker, I didn't plant it! I think the first homeowner of my home planted it. She planted it in a good spot around a mature pine tree. It sure is pretty and is a good groundcover, but now I want something different there and because the area is dry, the houttuynia does not look good all season. It has to go. I am not having luck with eradicating it. Any tips?

Dandelions are everywhere! Not only do they grow in the spring, but they grow all season long! They are not a cold or hot weather weed, but a year round pest. Their roots run deep and it is hard to get rid of them using my handy fishhook tool. I try though. For a good six years now. This is one weed I will never negotiate a truce with. If left to grow, even for a few days, it will set seeds and spread itself around. Sometimes even when the plant is pulled and tossed in the compost, I notice the seeds still maturing! How is that for a weed!

One last thing I hate seeing in the garden are baby oaks. I love the oak trees and could never imagine not having trees in my yard, especially the majestic oaks, but the seedlings NEED to go! This is the time of year the acorns all sprout and begin their frantic growth well on their way to becoming huge oak trees. It is difficult pulling the seedlings as they take root rather quickly. Note the acorn still attached to the seedling. The good news is that once you pull all the seedlings, they are gone until next spring. No germinating when you are not looking!

No, you definitely don't want these 'plants' in your garden. I know many will disagree with me especially on the violets. And that is OK. I am prepared, but sticking to my guns-fishhook in hand!

These are some of my worst weeds, what are some of yours?

in the garden....