Planting wildflowers in ditch full of weeds
fenix
16 years ago
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Iris GW
16 years agojoepyeweed
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Ground Cove r for Drainage Ditch with lots of weeds
Comments (4)I have the same problem on a lot that I have to upkeep in a neighborhood where I have not yet been able to build a house. The banks are too steep to mow, and their steep slant also makes the banks stay very dry since the sides face east and west and since the slope drains very quickly. The spring before last, I planted some 6 inch tall growing ornamental blue grass plugs that where supposed to do well in dry areas. This last February I saw that the grass had not spread much at all. The plugs had just begun looking healthier. Well this spring I thought some groundcover 'Fairy' roses should fill in faster and accomplish on my banks what you expressed was need on yours. The good thing about 'Fairy' groundcover roses it that they root as they go, but do not spread underground by their roots. As far as keeping them from becoming invasive goes, I think top spreaders are much easier to contain than those that spread by roots. For sure they are easier to contain than the ground covers and grasses that spread by roots and top spreading growth. Those multiple form speaders are almost as hard to keep up with as the groundcovers that spread by seed. The 'Fairy' grows a nice thick mat very quickly; In the growing season it blooms continuously. it greens up much sooner after the winter freezes than most roses, and small pink flowers that fade to white in sun do not need to be deadheaded. and the canes do not have to be cut back over the dormant period. Keeping them out of places where they are not wanted is just a matter of trimming them back every once in a while. When mine fill in that much and start to over extend the area, I just plan to use a hedge clipper to keep the perimeter line clean. The trick will be to catch the spreading canes before they root out side of the desired perimeters. I do not know how my efforts of planting them will turn out. Hopefully all goes as planned or at least creates a situation that avoids erosion and tall weed problems. One good thing I have noticed is that 'Fairy' roses are very good at living through dry times; even recovering if during the early spring someone cuts all the canes back to ground level. That was a thing my husband did by mistake to one of them after only 6 weeks from the time I had planted it. A month later the roots of that rose, which he had not shredded , had grown new top growth. The little vines were pretty short, but they seemed viable. I was in awe of how they could do that just like some established rose bushes do from being cut back more carefully to go through the winter....See MoreSlope full of weeds, need fast growing ground cover/weed control
Comments (4)If you take a look at photos I have posted on Cottage Garden-gallery (see "Things are starting to fill in") you will understand that I know from what I speak (my whole garden is a slope). When we bought this property many years ago, it was covered with maple trees which provided slightly less than total darkness under which nothing would grow (except weeds). I tackled this mess one area at a time. As my knowlege grew--so did the number and size of the beds. Try to do only what you can reasonably do well at the moment. You will have the time, however limited , to monitor your beds and watch for problems, happy accidents (like a volunteer seedling having planted itself). You will also learn if the plant choices you have made like the home you have provided them. This alone could save you a lot of frustration, time and financial investment. Having tried landscape fabric-difficult to keep in place,mulch tends to slide off (particularly in a hard rain). I prefer to use the 'lasagna method'. Lay down 8 layers of wet newspaper overlapping edges so weeds can't find a way through and cover with several inches of mulch (I find shredded bark works best because it will knit together and prevent sliding. Many local landfills provide this to the community at little to no cost.). Leave to overwinter. This method will not only help to control the weed problem, but will also add beneficial elements to the quality of the clay soil. Ask your friends and relatives if they would help you by saving their old newspapers for you (you will need quite a bit). I don't know the ages of your little ones, but if they are anything like my two kids were at toddler stage and up, there is nothing they would like more than helping mom and dad. Especially if it involves the opportunity to "play" in the water and get soaking wet outside. You could try this project on a hot summer day In the spring you can plant. What plants will depend on your light conditions. I hope this is helpful....See MoreFull sun groundcover for a ditch?
Comments (1)You may want to investigate the Seattle Public Utilities SEA street program for some possible planting solutions. The SEA street program was designed to reduce runoff and protect nearby salmon spawning streams but it could certainly be applied to any drainage ditch situation. The drainage ditches have been enlarged and converted to swales or natural runoff recepticles, but the plantings have been utilized to absorb or divert the majority of the runoff before it reaches the storm sewers and eventually the streams. The plantings are primarily native in origin. Take the virtual tour with the link - it's pretty interesting. Or better yet, drive or walk through the neighborhood to see firsthand. It's the Pipers Creek watershed in north Seattle and has been expanded to include several more blocks than the original progarm included.....a testament to the success of the program! ps. I grow an evergreen groundcover honeysuckle myself (Lonicera crassifolia - assume it to be the same one SWGB refers to) and it would not be my first choice for this situation. And it's not an easy to locate plant, either. Here is a link that might be useful: SEA streets...See Moreaggressive vine/groundcover to smother ditch weeds?
Comments (3)Thank Robin, that was the first I had heard of "snow on the mountain". It looks interesting, but after a little research it says it needs full shade to partial shade. My ditch is in full sun. Nearly everything I read said the plant looks rather "ratty" come July and August, which would be disaapointing. Any other suggestions?...See Morefenix
16 years agoIris GW
16 years agoloris
16 years agomaifleur01
16 years agojoepyeweed
16 years agoladyslppr
16 years agoleslie123
16 years agoarisaemadracontium
16 years agoflitter54
14 years agoamericanfarmgirl
10 years agoShell205
10 years ago
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