Weed taking over

[Davejgreen]

Hi there,

Does anyone know what this weed is, the best way of getting rid of it and preparing the flower bed for plants? I have moved into a new home and It has literally taken over the flower beds in the last few weeks.

Kind regards
Dave

[applestar]

Field horsetail. I wish I had some....

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?Lat ... um+arvense

[watermelonpunch]

good eats?

[Susan W]

Apple, be careful what you wish for. How much do you want? Yes, I'm laughing and serious at the same time.
Horsetail genes go back before time. It's survivor, and has some practical uses.

[applestar]

I KNOW! Such a cool organism. I planted a ginkgo tree for the same reason.

If anyone is seriously serious, I'll accept a good handful or small priority mail box full of fronds when they are releasing spores to experiment growing them with.

[watermelonpunch]

Is that gallium I see in the background? Where's Marc?

[applestar]

Lady's Bedstraw -- I see it, too.

[watermelonpunch]

Think I see some garlic mustard too. But what's the other stuff? It looks maybe flower desirable..

[valley]

looks like something that grows down by the river in the mountains Squaw Tea some call it.

[watermelonpunch]

Well you don't have to say it like it's living in a van down there! LOL

[skiingjeff]

It is very hard to get rid of. We have an invasion of it in one of our flower/shrub beds and have repeatedly dug it up to remove all the roots, stems, etc. If you leave any piece or portion of the plant anywhere - it grows

You have to get everything out. Each year we do a maintenance cleaning of the bed but it shows up in new spots regularly.

Good luck!

[rainbowgardener]

Nice article, applestar. I knew the part about it being used to scour and polish, but I didn't know this part:

The infused stem is an effective fungicide against mildew, mint rust and blackspot on roses. It also makes a good liquid feed. No wonder you want some!

I will have to look around. I bet I have seen that and just not recognized it.

[Susan W]

In all seriousness, send me a PM with your address and I will mail a small box of horsetail which will include some roots.
This will grow anywhere from dry road bed to damp, sun to shade. It is probably best to put it in a very large tub or container so it stays contained. It is evergreen, and if nothing else a conversation interest.

[applestar]

PM sent. Thank you, Susan

[Davejgreen]

Wow! Surprised this post caused such a stir. All your comments are very much appreciated! I have plenty to go around if anyone wants some... ;o)