One of the reasons I like walking to work at this time of year is so I can peek at all the lovely gardens along the way, and get some inspiration for my own garden.
A couple of months ago I posted pictures of my garden in the hopes that someone could idenitfy the strange things growing in it. Annie kindly did so, though the news was not good: most of what was growing was invasive weeds (Virginia Creeper in the back and Goutweed in the front).
Several people suggested that since it’s my first year in the house, I should stick to container gardening this summer while waiting to see what was already planted by previous owners. I thought that was an excellent idea.
I did try to defend myself against the invasive weeds by hacking away at them periodically and not letting them climb my house or come in my windows.
I adopted a live-and-let-live spirit about everything else that was sprouting in my back yard. Bear in mind that my back yard is very, very small and has no grass whatsoever. Flower boxes line the fences, and tiles cover the ground.
So, while I was busy defending myself from the invasive weeds, the non-invasive weeds completely invaded my back yard. Is this freaky or what? Check it out.
This state of affairs even extends beyond my back yard and into my parking space outside the gate. There are weeds literally taller than me growing out of the cracks in the pavement in my parking space. You see that black car? It’s my neighbour’s car, in his bare-naked weed-free parking space.
I know it’s too late for this year, but should I be weeding my pavement next year? Is that normal? Do people do that?
Sorry I have no advice about weeds. But I was thinking, if you don’t have a car, you should extend the fence so your back yard includes your parking space. What do you think?
It’s a good idea, but I can’t do it since all the neighbours share the right of way to the parking spaces. Besides, the LAST thing I need right now is more back yard, at least until I get the jungle under control a bit.
Yes, weed the parking space, then pour vinegar along the cracks, (lots). Do it about once a month. For the weeds in the garden, you can pull them to get rid of them, but it’s temporary. You need to get roots out and before the plants produce seeds. Vinegar will help there too.
You have to keep at it constantly. Do a half hour every night when you get home and a couple of hours over the weekend. (Yeah It’s lots of work and no, I don’t keep up with my own.) Get your son to help for several hours or have a party over it.
Zoom, it’s not too late to weed the parking spot now…grab one of those big paper bags, a pair of gloves, and “pretend” each one of those weeds is something/someone annoying. Now, start pulling…..It’ll be done in no time!
I spend lots of time in both the front and back yards pulling weeds. I had weeds comimg thru my uni stone patio which I spent most of last summer pulling. I did a great job. Yes, they are back this year but not as plentiful as they once were. A party is a great idea or even trap some unsuspecting house guests into helping you.
Those non-invasive weeds are pretty scary looking. Did they actually grow up around the chair as it was sitting there, or did you just throw the chair in for effect after the fact?
Hey Zoom pave it and paint it green, works every time
Or get a small sheep for a pet.
I know where there are some miniature donkeys for sale – do you think they eat weeds?
Daphne, the weeds did grow around the chair as it sat there. I swear I only left the yard for a few days and when I got back it looked like that!
Should I try the vinegar now, or wait till next Spring?
Don’t weed your parking spot!!! I have a MUCH better idea – encourage weeds butterflies love and you can be a city wildlife refuge!
Oh and you have MASSES of Lady’s Thumb in your backyard. Its got the tiny nubby pink flowers and long lance shaped leaves with a darker “thumbprint” in the middle. If you want to play herbalist, chop up some leaves (a handful or two) and cover in olive oil. Add in a couple of cloves of garlic that you’ve pricked all over with a fork. Put it in an oven proof cup or jar and stick it in the oven at the lowest possible heat (your oven lightbulb is probably good enough actually, if you put the cup right beside it). In the morning strain this into a clean sterile jar and you have a wickedly good earache remedy.