Posts Tagged ‘perennials’
Garden Weed Control
Weeds are undesirable plants growing in an unwanted place or among the crop for same needs such as water, sunlight, nutrients and space. They are usually the native plants which are best adapted to the environment they grow in. The seeds produced by these weeds can lie dormant in the soil for many years germinating when it is cultivated.
Weeds are a common menace in any garden and need to be controlled. However it must be stated that some weeds have many useful attributes. A weed is a nuisance because it is growing in the wrong place and might be displeasing to the eye, or it might hinder the growth of the carefully planted crop and also cause economic damage.
Weeds also can be categorized as annuals, biennials and perennials. Annuals germinate and mature in one season and die away leaving its supply of seeds to germinate. These weeds should be removed before they produce any seeds. Biennials take two seasons to mature enough to produce seed and then they die away. Perennials are the most difficult weed to get rid of.
Garden weed control is no easy task. But garden weed control can be approached in two methods that is weed removal and weed prevention.
Garden weed control by weed removal is not simply removing the visible part of the weed. It is important to first identify the growth habits of the weed. Perennial weeds can grow again from fleshy roots or underground stems. When removing a weed it is important to uproot the entire plant to avoid it from cropping up again. It is best to use a hand fork or hand grubber to loosen the roots of larger weeds. Uprooting has to be done continuously until all the weeds are eliminated. Garden weed control by up rooting is quite a tiresome job and requires a lot of effort and energy. But in the long run garden weed control can be considered a good exercise for the gardener.
For perennial weeds with deep roots, it is best to use a weed killer which will kill the weed in a few days.
Garden weed control by weed prevention would involve a bit of proactive work on the part of the gardener where he or she is expected to remove weeds before planting.
The best way to do garden weed control through prevention is to use a mulch of bark chips or gravel.
Bark chips is a better substance as it covers the light and does not blow around so much. But it needs to be replenished sooner as it converts in to compost.
In conclusion garden weed control is done better when more time is spent on preparation, with mulch used to prevent germination of seeds.
Walnut Tree? You Might Have Some Garden Problems
A few years ago I lived in an old victorian house in Ann Arbor, Michigan that had a handful of stately old 100 foot tall Walnut trees (Juglans Regia). I quickly discovered that there were a number of plants that simply died or started to die as soon as I planted them there; petunias, peonies, roses, impatiens are some of the unfortunate few plants that died. Doubts about my garden competence began to worry me at night.
What a relief it was to discover that walnut tree’s are a garden challenge because certain plants can not survive when planted below one. This is due to a poisonous substance that leaches from the walnut trees called juglone-I sure would not be eating any veggies or herbs grown near or under a walnut tree( I heard somewhere that it was an ingredient in rat poison many years ago…not sure if that is true or just some kind of urban legend). Look up and see what you got up there to explain what is happening and dying down here. Your garden problems might be solved if you are dealing with a walnut tree!
Do not start crying! If you have a walnut tree in your garden do not fret. They are a lovely addition to any garden and provide wonderful shade. Never mind the old wives tale to beware the shade of a walnut, because I myself can not think of a nicer place to spend a hot summer afternoon. Walnut trees are of course also great because of all the nuts they provide.
Here is a pretty thorough list of plants that I have had success growing under my walnut trees:
Annual plants that can grow under a walnut tree:
Pansie
Begonia
Marigold
Morning Glory
Flower Bulbs:
Winter Aconite
Narcissus
Tulip
Blue Scilla
Snow Drop
Perennial plants that can grow beneath a walnut tree:
Aster
Common Milkweed (A Main stay in my garden!)
Hosta
Many ferns, for example Japanese Painted Fern
Coral Bell
Day Lilly
Pachysandra
Black Eyed Susan
Spider Wort
Dutchman’ Breeches
Violet
Bugle Weed
Jack in the Pulpit
Wild Geranium
Joe-Pye Weed
Creeping Phlox
Sedum
Trillium
Bee Balm
Shrubs that can grow beneath a walnut tree:
Boxwood
Oakleaf Hydrangea
This is perhaps not the longest list and I am positive that many more plants would or could do well; these are just the ones I have tried and had success with in the garden’s I take care of and my own garden. This should be a helpful guide to you in your garden adventures under your walnut tree. And you know, if all else fails under your walnut tree then put some outdoor garden decor, a gazing globe or perhaps a recycled glass bird feeder there to provide the area with some extra visual interest!
