Planting wildflowers in ditch full of weeds
fenix
16 years ago
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Iris GW
16 years agojoepyeweed
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Slope full of weeds, need fast growing ground cover/weed control
Comments (4)If you take a look at photos I have posted on Cottage Garden-gallery (see "Things are starting to fill in") you will understand that I know from what I speak (my whole garden is a slope). When we bought this property many years ago, it was covered with maple trees which provided slightly less than total darkness under which nothing would grow (except weeds). I tackled this mess one area at a time. As my knowlege grew--so did the number and size of the beds. Try to do only what you can reasonably do well at the moment. You will have the time, however limited , to monitor your beds and watch for problems, happy accidents (like a volunteer seedling having planted itself). You will also learn if the plant choices you have made like the home you have provided them. This alone could save you a lot of frustration, time and financial investment. Having tried landscape fabric-difficult to keep in place,mulch tends to slide off (particularly in a hard rain). I prefer to use the 'lasagna method'. Lay down 8 layers of wet newspaper overlapping edges so weeds can't find a way through and cover with several inches of mulch (I find shredded bark works best because it will knit together and prevent sliding. Many local landfills provide this to the community at little to no cost.). Leave to overwinter. This method will not only help to control the weed problem, but will also add beneficial elements to the quality of the clay soil. Ask your friends and relatives if they would help you by saving their old newspapers for you (you will need quite a bit). I don't know the ages of your little ones, but if they are anything like my two kids were at toddler stage and up, there is nothing they would like more than helping mom and dad. Especially if it involves the opportunity to "play" in the water and get soaking wet outside. You could try this project on a hot summer day In the spring you can plant. What plants will depend on your light conditions. I hope this is helpful....See MoreDitch barrier plants for the south
Comments (4)Traditionally, on the Lake Ponchartrain Northshore (before nature-hating types who should have stayed in New Orleans started ruining the place), the ditches were planted in Canna Lilies (there are native/wild cultivars)and Elephant Ears (again, I think there were native types). Louisiana Iris, I've seen a lot around Ponchatoula. The common yellow variety seems to grow like Topsy in ditches. And there are native bulbs, like Swamp Hymenocallis, which thrive in boggy conditions. You do realize that some Bamboo is non-invasive, right? It's grouped as 'clumping Bamboo'. Rosa Palustris (swamp rose) tolerates wet feet, and is a real beauty (native to your area, too). There's an 'Invasive Exotic' I've noticed in South Louisiana ditches (which adds much beauty to the landscape, with its Vermillion blossoms). Can't remember the name, and my browser is so 'improved', now, it's jumping around too much, and won't take me where I want to go (used to be easy to look it up). Anyway, it's in the Locust family, and is a small tree with fern-like leaves....See MoreWhat is this? Weed? Wildflower? Native? Invasive?
Comments (9)Hmm. I used to go down by Hillsboro every year to look at wildflowers and collect seeds. Amazing how you always see something you haven't seen before! Good luck in collecting some. I just looked at the picture again and it definitely has me stumped. Why don't you send the pic to Mr. Smarty Pants at the Lady Bird wildflower center thingie? I bet they'll know what it is....See Moreweed or wildflower?
Comments (6)A weed is a flowering plant and is probably wild somewhere on the planet though many in the us are european in origin. I love my plants that some see as being weeds, such as Rumex. But the rule is if you do not like it then get rid of it. Grow what you like. In the right place these undesirable plants may look quite appropriate. Just not where you want them to be!!...See Morefenix
16 years agoIris GW
16 years agoloris
16 years agomaifleur01
16 years agojoepyeweed
16 years agoladyslppr
16 years agoleslie123
16 years agoarisaemadracontium
16 years agoflitter54
14 years agoamericanfarmgirl
10 years agoShell205
10 years ago
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