Marianne's Response

Mystery plant taking over my garden

What have I done? In January I reinvented a long neglected bed—perhaps 20 or more years of neglect–and removed 3 inches of soil and weeds to discover old stepping stones. When it was done I was so pleased with how it looked: Red Flowering Currents (treeform), irises, trillium, and new bark. But in May some surprise plants showed up, and now they are taking over at an insane level. Any ideas what this is, and advice on doing anything about it? Maybe it’s a good plant? Oh, and the California Poppy and Hardy Fuchsia are also a surprise, but I can handle those.

Thanks for being there in my time of need!

Posted by Nancy Bos on June 18, 2014

Marianne's Response

Don't worry, you just exposed seed that had been dormant under soil. The sunlight woke up the seeds. These should be easy to pull and then hoe any seedlings that emerge. Keep at it all summer. You'll win the battle, and this little native will go back to the woods where it belongs. Love that you found old stepping stones. You are now a garden archaeologist. Keep digging, Marianne Binetti

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