Weeds

Weed Watch: Was that 4-foot plant (Erechtites hieraciifolius) growing in my garden yesterday?

September 15, 2021 by MGNV Webmaster

Summer is waning or fall just beginning and our gardens are awash in the bright and muted colors of asters, goldenrods, lobelias, pink muhly, sages, turtleheads, and zinnias, and with due diligence, relatively free of creeping weeds. But then you return home from a weekend getaway and find some stout, green, budded stems of notable height rising above the flowers in your perennial bed or butterfly garden.

Weed Watch: Lion’s Tooth, Blowball, Pissabed…A Dandelion by Another Name*

April 11, 2021 by MGNV Webmaster

Most people, adults and children alike, recognize the dandelion, but how well do they really know it?

Weed Watch: What are those tiny white flowers blooming in my lawn?

March 31, 2021 by MGNV Webmaster

If you have been out and about enjoying the warmer weather, then you may have noticed, especially in shady areas where the soil is moist, scattered clusters of tiny, white, 4-petaled flowers with 4–6 stamens.

Weed Watch: Will the Real Shamrock Please “Stand Up?”

March 17, 2020 by MGNV Webmaster

The month of March is a good time to talk about the shamrock, a symbol often associated with Ireland and Saint Patrick’s Day.

“Spring Cleaning” in the Garden

February 19, 2020 by MGNV Webmaster

“Spring Cleaning” in the Garden

Spring cleaning is not just for rugs and rooms. Planting beds need attention early in March. Many weed seeds will have already germinated on warm winter days.

Invasive Plants in Northern Virginia: Mile-a-Minute Weed

January 20, 2020 by MGNV Webmaster

Invasive Plants in Northern Virginia: Mile-a-Minute

Persicaria perfoliata (mile-a-minute) is a noxious weed present throughout the Mid-Atlantic and is of serious concern in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Garden Myth Busters! Vinegar for Weeds

July 25, 2018 by MGNV Webmaster

THE MYTH: Vinegar is an effective way to kill weeds.

THE REALITY: Household vinegar has long been heralded for its many uses around the home and garden, but is it actually an effective weed control method?

Weed Control… and Other Jokes?

May 4, 2013 by Beverly Keane

The minister began the sermon by asking how many in the congregation were gardeners. Then the minister asked what was the first thing they saw when they walked into their gardens. Silence … followed by the obvious answer … weeds! To many of us their very existence seems to ruin an otherwise beautiful scene, leading to countless hours grousing about and cursing their existence. Not to mention the physical labor and money expended in our weed-fighting efforts.

It’s Spring and Everything’s Blooming … including the Weeds!

April 4, 2013 by henrystaples

Interspersed among vibrant spring flowers are the delicate lacy leaves of bittercress, the rich green tufts of annual bluegrass, colorful expanses of henbit and deadnettle, and cheerful clumps of chickweed … In case you’re wondering, remember, a weed is merely a wildflower in the wrong place.