It really is funny how the reader can so easily misunderstand the writer's intent. I was wary of Asleep's post as well, but since he's always been cordial in threads we've participated in, I figured it had to be me and the way I was reading the o/a tone of the post, so I replied as though there was no underlying agenda - the confirmation of which I was glad for. A lot of misunderstandings result in battles when the reader misreads the writer's intent and responds w/o considering what was said and what was heard (regarding intent) were quite different. Just my musings ..... Al

We had/have a similar problem with St. John's Wort. It's dig, pull, repeat. The ground is likely good right now for doing this -- it looks like a total weekend project. We did this to our bed, but now I have planted grass in it so that I can mow any straglers. By the way, I have used the newspaper covered with a thick layer of mulch, etc. to smother nasty weeds in my veggie garden and it seems to have worked. This is just the second year so I'll see if my nasties return.

I would also assume that it is legal in PA, but you can always check with your cooperative extension and see what they say. You mentioned that your slope is southfacing, so I assume that it gets sun. That should make it easier than a shady site to get something to grow. I am probably not the best expert, but what about forsythia bushes? The one I have in my backyard is prolific without being uncontrollable and I think would be deeply rooted enough to help stabilize the slope. Also I would think that they would be fairly inexpensive and common at the big box stores so that you could get a bunch in without breaking the bank. My other thought was some low growing evergreen bushes. I have some on my sunny slope and they are doing quite well. For the shaded portion of my slope I am looking at planting some hydrangeas (once I get the ivy out) and maybe some ferns. Litrope would also be a good choice and is sold at the box stores. I would consider digging it up now while it is not completely established and not out of control. Like a misplaced tree, it will just get to be a bigger proble to solve later if it is left to flourish now. Plus I would expect to find it establishing other places in your yard (far from where it is planted) and becoming a problem in many spots. Last, I know that in my english ivy is where the poison ivy starts. I only have poison ivy where the English Ivy is and that is a bigger problem! Here is a link that might be useful: MD Suggestions for Groundcovers

Hi Bbnjl, First of all congrats on your new home! Hope you are finding time to enjoy it. I feel your pain on working full time as well and trying to keep up with a house and yard but it can be very rewarding. I will start by saying that I am not a grass expert, but here are some things that I would suggest. Can you provide some more information on your outdoor spaces in terms of the approximate size and shape of the space and how much light they receive (which way do they face, i.e north, south east west)? WIth this type of information the really great folks on this site will be better able to help you. I don't think you should have to start entirely over. In my experience anytime you put down grass seed understanding how much sun your lawn will get is important in the seed selection process. I'm assuming that you took this into consideration. You also need to prepare the soil correctly and once you've put down the seed you need to put a thin layer of topsoil or straw in in order to protect the seed from the birds and provide warmth for it to germinate. You're correct that you need to provide appropriate water, but you also need to be careful not to overwater as that can cause issues as well. I am going to post your question to the lawn care forum to see if we can get some more experienced people to help you on your lawn. I would not give up on planting small, easy to care for bushes, trees and perennials that will give you character and color throughout the seasons without requiring a lot of maintenance. Plants have a tough time outside in pots in the winter and its challenging to find space to overwinter potted plants inside, particularly in the NYC area where space and appropriate light can be very limited. Also, just keeping up with watering the pots (they need water more frequently that plants in the ground) can be more time consuming than you expect. For your aloe question, I would suggest that you post that on the house plants forum for help with that.