tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post3561264805736077155..comments2023-08-21T01:41:13.490-07:00Comments on Three Dogs in a Garden: Gardener Beware: Invasive Garden Plants, Part 1Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-16160406840477850342020-07-08T15:29:20.689-07:002020-07-08T15:29:20.689-07:00What you have done is place these vigorous plants ...What you have done is place these vigorous plants in a spot in the garden that works for you. Gardeners who find them "nightmarish" are more likely to have planted them in among less aggressive plants and they have taken over. Getting rid of a problem plant isn't always easy. All this serves to point out how careful we need to consider placement when planting something that spreads quickly.<br />You are right about monocultures. They aren't "natural". On the other hand, I must caution readers about aggressive garden plants that spread beyond the garden and cause all manner of problems. Often they outcompete and eliminate native plants.<br />How neat and tidy a garden looks is a personal choice. I don't think there is any right or wrong here. It sounds like you are very happy with your garden being on the "wilder" side of things and I think that's great.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-1091612429417920862020-07-05T11:18:53.199-07:002020-07-05T11:18:53.199-07:00I have ajuga burgundy glow and creeping Jenny, the...I have ajuga burgundy glow and creeping Jenny, they look great together and I just let them fight it out. They just fill up the gaps around my bushes, so I'm quite happy for them to do their thing.<br />Don't understand everyone saying they're a nightmare, yes they're prolific, but just means less work for me. Quite happy for them to spread into the lawn, hate having to mow and I like the seedheads in my meadow/lawn. Better for the environment not being a monoculture that's constantly hacked and trimmed. If people were less hung up about things being neat and tidy they'd learn to appreciate the joys of a wilder garden.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02384694624977783807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-64239009742790784902018-07-16T13:17:42.409-07:002018-07-16T13:17:42.409-07:00In our new place, we have no grass in the backyard...In our new place, we have no grass in the backyard. The backyard is really quite small. I've re-done the backyard and still wish to find more ground covers. Trouble is, I need it to be not higher than 6" (less, is favourable) and not invasive. I've planted two as 'testers' and in one year, they seem to be doing what I want. One is the yellow form of the Corsican Pearlwort. It's quite lovely: 2" tall max, forms a lovely mat and likes the sun. The other is called clump moss: nice tight clumps forming thick mats, likes the sun but some of it seems sensitive to something and the clumps die in portions. I prefer the pearlwort and may end up planting it en masse. BUT, I have a lovely weeping Japanese Maple that forms solid shade underneath. I'd like something underneath but can't think of or find something that will be close to the ground yet tolerate full shade. If the canopy of the J-Maple was higher I'd put a trio of Hakone grass underneath but the canopy is very low so the hakone grass is too tall to look right. I'll keep puzzling.DianeSchuller.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17359249391460871879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-36347578333660837322017-03-29T19:32:24.861-07:002017-03-29T19:32:24.861-07:00If you like the Creeping Jenny and think it works ...If you like the Creeping Jenny and think it works in your space, then you should keep it. I think every gardener has to make their own choices.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-68489104046150365682017-03-29T19:25:51.242-07:002017-03-29T19:25:51.242-07:00I think you've helped point out that everyone ...I think you've helped point out that everyone has different tolerances for aggressive plants. If you are willing to be ruthless and stay on top of invasive plants, it is possible to live with them peacefully. I was out in the garden this afternoon. Some people might think I'm crazy, but I so enjoyed the work!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-2796896613647521132017-03-29T17:11:11.459-07:002017-03-29T17:11:11.459-07:00This is so true. I bought a creeping Jenny and pla...This is so true. I bought a creeping Jenny and planted it behind the pond area and it creeps! It covers more areas every year, but as it looks nice I decided to leave it. Well, I shall admit that the plant was sold with five other as a hanging basket collection. Should have thought about it before ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-41631212269290580422017-03-18T19:18:38.638-07:002017-03-18T19:18:38.638-07:00Sweet Woodruff can be aggressive but I find very e...Sweet Woodruff can be aggressive but I find very easy to control...since its easy to pull out. The one vine I wish I never planted was Virginia creeper I've tried to eradicate it for years with no success...Creeping jenny I I transplanted to containers and makes it through our winters here. Two shade lovers that can be invasive in my yard are Gooseneck Loosestrife and Chelome but also easy to pull out... can't wait to get out in my gardens....Cathy @ My 1929 Charmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05152030881064923919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-89109362106664678112017-03-18T10:54:57.570-07:002017-03-18T10:54:57.570-07:00Sorry for bringing up a sour spot so early in the ...Sorry for bringing up a sour spot so early in the season Brenda. Tackling an invasive weed is a huge task, isn't it. I still have some goutweed and lily-of-the-valley to tackle this spring. Happy spring to you too!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-63955415337126650372017-03-18T10:52:30.465-07:002017-03-18T10:52:30.465-07:00Oh, oh I recently introduced some Rudbeckia trilob...Oh, oh I recently introduced some Rudbeckia triloba into my nursery bed. I didn't know it was a prolific self-seeder either Rose.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-91245973021141601462017-03-18T06:39:45.419-07:002017-03-18T06:39:45.419-07:00"Spreads quickly by rhizomes" is always ..."Spreads quickly by rhizomes" is always a clue to me--I don't want that plant!! I think we've all made this mistake. I remember using the trailing vinca (forgotten the botanical name) quite often in containers. My friend also used it, and it spread to the ground where she had an awful time eradicating it. Then again, as you say, there are some invasive plants you don't mind. I like Sweet Woodruff and find it easy to pull out clumps spreading where I don't want. I wish someone had told me, though, about Rudbeckia triloba, before I let one volunteer plant go to seed--I have dug out more seedlings than I care to think about!Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-82042341196133882612017-03-17T07:34:37.891-07:002017-03-17T07:34:37.891-07:00Oh THE LAMIUM....did you have to remind me. Here I...Oh THE LAMIUM....did you have to remind me. Here I was, in my pretty little cloud of spring longing, looking forward to the dear snowdrops and tiny Cornus mas blooms, and there was lamium, right there in your wonderful post. Sigh... I must really do something about it this year... yes I will, although it is pretty, I will give it that. Happy Spring Jennifer. xoGardeningbrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10709940044197929905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-78936308295181198602017-03-16T12:40:12.500-07:002017-03-16T12:40:12.500-07:00Excellent post Jennifer! Ajuga Burgundy Glow makes...Excellent post Jennifer! Ajuga Burgundy Glow makes a wonderful groundcover and doesn't get too crazy here in my zone 7 garden, but Creeping Jenny is another story! Creeping Jenny is a nice looking plant, but I would never put it into the ground here. It is great in planters, where it can be kept under control, and cascades nicely. Another plant to mention is Houttuynia cordata (Chameleon Plant). I had an encounter with Chameleon Plant some years back. I had purchased some of the lovely variegated plant with shades of gold and pink its its foliage, only to quickly realize that it multiplies vigorously! It took several years of pulling it out by the rhizomes to completely eradicate it, and now whenever anyone mentions how interesting Chameleon Plant is, I simply reply...run!Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardeninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15208392136967108192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-21970654633387249412017-03-15T20:42:48.130-07:002017-03-15T20:42:48.130-07:00I like Feverfew too Karen! Perhaps I should edit t...I like Feverfew too Karen! Perhaps I should edit the post. What I meant to say was that, while I like Feverfew, some gardeners would find its tendency to self-seed prolifically annoying. I believe Ajuga needs somewhat moist conditions to really become a bother and there are some varieties that are less aggressive.Using Sweet Woodruff under a shrub would be nice (in my opinion). In other settings, it may be too aggressive. I agree with your list of banished plants too!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-72513687864307958982017-03-15T20:30:29.332-07:002017-03-15T20:30:29.332-07:00Gosh you have your work cut out for you Kathleen. ...Gosh you have your work cut out for you Kathleen. I've tried to eliminate the Goutweed I inherited, but am still struggling with it in a couple of spots. Like you, l live with a few other invasives that I inherited from the previous owner. The worst thing I found was Knotweed. Almost 15 years have passed and a little bit still tries to come back ever year.Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-315405225366433782017-03-15T20:22:31.081-07:002017-03-15T20:22:31.081-07:00I think I gave you the wrong impression Annie. It ...I think I gave you the wrong impression Annie. It does self-seed very prolifically. Some gardeners would find that annoying. I like Feverfew. It is a chore to remove seedlings, but it looks so pretty I personally don't mind the extra work. If you like self-seeders like poppies and nigella you will probably like Feverfew. One caution. It can as I wrote crowd other plants. If you plan to grow it with roses you may have to thin it to give the roses room to breath. One last thing. Feverfew hates being moved. It does best wherever the seed happens to land. Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-82304031537844104512017-03-15T20:11:00.309-07:002017-03-15T20:11:00.309-07:00We all make mistakes. When we moved in I had no id...We all make mistakes. When we moved in I had no idea how aggressive Lily-of-the-Valley was. Now I know and how!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00116583212813729057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-78845480102365211942017-03-15T17:35:01.896-07:002017-03-15T17:35:01.896-07:00I guess there are some advantages to gardening in ...I guess there are some advantages to gardening in poor, sandy soil in Zone 4! Feverfew is a treasured plant for me and I would not call it invasive. It does reseed, but not aggressively. It is one of my favorite plants for bouquets. Ajuga spreads very slowly where I have it under some shrubs. I planted sweet woodruff under shrubs last year and am hoping it will spread. I had it once, but it all died out. Chinese lanterns, gooseneck loosestrife, Silver King artemesia, and yarrow millefolium are all banished from my gardens however. Everyone just needs to figure out the thugs for their region. I like your idea about having a "probationary" bed to try new things out in before they enter your flowerbeds. Sometimes I'm just not patient enough or realistic enough! Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05884399075760022440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-68113192316998300802017-03-15T14:29:27.035-07:002017-03-15T14:29:27.035-07:00I have a problem with feverfew, also sage and mint...I have a problem with feverfew, also sage and mint, herbs can be very invasive....crocosmia is also the bane of my life along with ivy! An interesting post.xxxSnowbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08572555410663928295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-28690331878325102852017-03-15T14:22:18.704-07:002017-03-15T14:22:18.704-07:00The previous owners of the house we bought three y...The previous owners of the house we bought three years ago loved so many of the aggressive plants. I've got ajuga, goutweed, privet, periwinkle, honeysuckle, creeping jenny, rose of sharon, and english ivy. I'm slowly conquering the goutweed and the english ivy. The creeping jenny is planted in an inhospitable area (thank goodness), so it's self controlled. The honeysuckle I pull, and privet and rose of sharon... well we cut down it wherever it springs up unwanted as there's too much to take it all out (an entire 50 foot hedge of privet). Periwinkle and ajuga I live with. There are only so many battle fronts I can fight! (I haven't even mentioned the creeping charlie...)Kathleen C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09985361663328017340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-2277319878388690352017-03-15T12:12:31.965-07:002017-03-15T12:12:31.965-07:00I didn't know feverfew fell into this category...I didn't know feverfew fell into this category. I read that it self seeds, and felt that was a bonus - as in the way my nigella and poppies self seed. After seeing a photo of roses surrounded by feverfew, I had planned to do just that this year. Back to the drawing board. Many thanks for the heads-up!Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07932052972867806872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116278351699614429.post-89940513086137640572017-03-15T11:30:25.942-07:002017-03-15T11:30:25.942-07:00I love ajuga and sweet woodruff and they are crazy...I love ajuga and sweet woodruff and they are crazy rampant!! I made the mistake of using creeping jenny (it was in a planter and I put it into the ground in the fall a few years ago - GAH!!!!!)ANNEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09669855421350031273noreply@blogger.com