TO WEED OR NOT TO WEED… that is the question!

What is a weed?  "A plant out of place" is the answer given by most horticulture folks.  But what is a weed in the eyes of an ecological landscape?

Only three of the four plants shown below are what we consider to be invasive and should be managed well in the landscape.  Their escape can be time consuming the long run.

Can you guess which plant is not a weed to the eyes of an ecological landscaper? 

Check out the images below for the answer...

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a common plant found in our landscapes. Little do people know of its edibility in salads or steamed but most know even less about a dandelions ability to harness nutrients from deep in the soil they then accumulate in their leaves. A great M-O-S plant and no weed!

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) is a weed sold in chain nurseries still to this day. This invasive weed is pretty to look at but not after is has taken over the garden! Manage this weed by manual removal (no chemicals necessary) then mulch heavily (3-6 inches deep).

Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica) is a common landscape weed that spreads by seed. The roots are extremely fibrous and will hold the soil in place quite well. Manage this invasive pest with manual removal of entire plant BEFORE FLOWERING (or if not in flower mulch-on-site)! Then MULCH heavily!

Creeping Woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata) is a menacing weed that spreads by underground runners and seed. The seed pods rupture when humidity levels change spreading seed everywhere. Manage this invasive pest with manual removal of all roots and creeping stems BEFORE THEY FLOWER! Then MULCH!

BEETLES ABOUND!

The enormous amount of carrot seed we have collected since we first saw these beetles a few years ago has been wonderful.  We collect the seed and they finish drying outdoors then are stored in a cool dry place.  These particular carrots produced viable and abundant seed thanks to the pollination from these beetles and others. 

The ‘furniture carpet beetle’ (Anthrenus flavipes) pictured below is considered a ‘pest’ by UC IPM folks at Davis.  Greatly admiring the work of UC IPM we will agree to their advisement, “Examine cut flowers for adult beetles.  Be careful not to bring these pests into the home on cut flowers—with their rounded bodies and short antennae, carpet beetles somewhat resemble lady beetles in shape.” 

BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Planting insectary plants into the garden will bring these predators and pollinators to your gardens.  Eliminating pesticides and harmful chemicals is also necessary.

soldier beetle

hoverfly

ladybug

aphid mummy caused by parasitic wasp

crab spider

garden spider

butterfly

lacewing eggs

ladybug eggs next to aphids

ladybug larvae

ladybug

Culinary and Medicinal Herbs

Culinary and medicinal herbs have been a part of human heritage for thousands of years.  Many herbs used by indigenous peoples have been studied and found to be greatly important in our discoveries of past cultures and their daily life.

Herbs can mean many things to many different people; culinary plants like Thyme and Parsley, shown above, offer a staple place in the garden.  Other plants like Calendula and Feverfew, also shown above, are enjoyed for their medicinal qualities as well as their beauty.

All around the world people enjoy the grace and diversity of herbs.  Let us help you build an herb garden today!