Got Garlic Mustard?
Now I am not asking because I am making a sandwich.
The garlic mustard I am talking about is not some artisan condiment; rather it is a noxious weed. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) is a biennial that grows a leafy rosette in its first year and flowers in its second. The leaves are alternate and somewhat heart-shaped.
Garlic mustard is so called because when its leaves are crushed they smell like…garlic. This helps identify this weed from look-alikes.
Garlic mustard grows in sun or shade. Its roots exude a chemical substance that inhibits the growth of nearby plants. And one plant can produce up to 5000 seeds that remain viable in the soil for up to 5 years. It’s easy to see why garlic mustard is such a problem to control. Large stands of garlic mustard can quickly take over a woodland, choking out natives and wildflowers.
The most effective way to control garlic mustard is by hand pulling as it is flowering – before it sets seed. It is important to grab from the base and remove the entire root; I find that weeding is best done after a rain as things are softer. What about large areas of the weed? Still, hand pulling seems like the right option. Although herbicides can also be used, just make sure that directions are followed. Herbicides will not kill garlic mustard seed which is why hand pulling even after an herbicide application is important. Any plants that are pulled should be bagged and put in the trash as they will continue to flower and set seed. Mowing will not work and can actually be counterproductive. Mowing between May-September can actually spread the ripening seed pods.
Last year I spoke with Ellen Zachos who is a forager and she turned me on to eating a good portion of my garden. You can do the same with garlic mustard. Here is a great link that shares many yummy options on “The Forager’s Feast”
The Best Thing To Plant in Your Containers Now
Would you laugh if I said “herbs”?
In my honest opinion, it is the best thing to plant in spring.
Add some beautiful curly parsley to your pansies and pussy willow. Add some purple sage or lemon thyme for pops of non-flowering color. Mint will do well in shadier locations. Rosemary is great in a drier situation. The beauty of these plants is their longevity. Like the Energizer Bunny they keep going and going and …. You may need to re-arrange them in your summer and fall containers but they will still be looking great. And at the end of the season (mid-September) perennial herbs can be planted in the garden. Talk about bang for the buck. Your $4.99 investment got you three seasons, plus an addition to the garden.
When using herbs in containers make sure their companions like the same growing conditions. And I do not mix basil with anything. I find it is happiest in its own pot; preferably terracotta since the roots do not like being wet.
Can you spot the herbs in these container gardens?
This year I encourage you to use herbs in your containers. Not only will you be rewarded with beautiful, long-lasting arrangements at the end you may even get to make some tabbouleh…or mojitos!
Seeing Red
Isn’t this a beautiful garden? It will certainly attract the attention of your friends and neighbors.
However if you are hoping to help pollinators like bees it will fall flat.
Bees will not give this garden a second glance.
Why?
Read More»What Winter?
I have noticed that it is getting dark later and on some days the temps are such that I only need a light coat. Spring is coming…sigh. But where was winter? Where were the freezing temperatures and colossal snowstorms that had school children crossing their fingers and meteorologists throwing around words like “bombogenesis”?
In years past, my brother and I would gleefully trade stories of the drifts in front of the doors that forced us to just stay inside for a while. Despite the crazy weather in the rest of the country New England, or at least Massachusetts, has gotten off easy. Up until February 12, 2019 we had received only a little over 2” FOR THE WHOLE WINTER.
Now it’s not that I love snow – although the first storm or two are pretty – it’s just that I have things to do!
Read More»Flower Show Season
It’s that time of year again. We winter weary gardeners can get a tease of spring and scratch the gardening itch with great area Flower Shows.
I am fortunate to be speaking at the Connecticut Flower Show on February 22.
I will have two talks: “Beauty and the Bees” which will discuss better ways of designing with pollinators in mind, and “Power Couples” where I will share some of my favorite perennial parings for gardens and containers.
I am also thrilled to be returning to the Philadelphia International Flower Show and will be speaking on perennials on March 7th.
Both of these shows are great and definitely bucket list worthy trips. If you are able to attend either, or both, I highly recommend it!
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