Tackling Garden Weeds

I often meet clients who have just taken on a new garden only to find it plagued with weeds which can be so discouraging. A bit of know how can make all the difference so detailed here are a few common garden weeds found in our area and the best way i've found to tackle them.  I’ll be looking at traditional weeds as opposed to out of control cultivated plants.

​There are two main types of garden weed; the annual and the perennial.
Annual weeds
Annual weeds are those which have a one year life-cycle i.e. Germinate, grow, flower and set seed all within one year. They can over-winter as small immature plants and are often ephemeral – they will have several generations in one year.  A couple of the worst offenders in gardens in our area are:
Groundsel - Produces seeds all year round. It is characterised by small clusters of yellow blooms on short plants which produce fluffy seeds, easily spread in the wind or my animals. Although hoeing and hand picking seedlings is effective, be sure to pick up all material from the surface of the ground as Groundsel will very easily re-root.  Mulching the surface can help reduce weed germination. 
​Hairy bittercress –becoming more prevalent in gardens, Bittercress germinates, flowers and sets seed very rapidly – in a matter of weeks! Short flower stems flick seed around the surrounding soil. Hoe or hand weeding at first sight before flowering will help to avoid colonisation of the ground. Bittercress is also a problem in containers where it can go un-noticed and fill the compost surface with seeds...

 Perennial weeds
Perennial weeds are those which have a life-cycle longer than one year. They will germinate/spread from a mother plant and continue to grow, develop , flower, set seed or proliferate by other means continually until they are eradicated.   A few perennial weeds i most often find in my clients gardens are:
Willowherb -  A weed common in the wild and in gardens, the seed is spread by the wind. With attractive foliage and flowers it can easily be missed when weeding.  It is shallow rooted which makes it easy to hoe or hand weed but ensure every piece is taken as it can easily re-root.  Small glossy leaved plant-lets can over-winter in borders, pots and nooks & crannies. Remove them in early spring before the plant can grow larger.
Bindweed- such a problem in the garden environment, it’s twining stems can swamp flowers and shrubs in borders. Untangling the stems from wanted plants and applying a weedkiller such as Glyphosate is the most effective way if treating this thug, but do ensure the weedkiller doesn’t touch anything you want to keep. In areas of dense colonisation, digging down to remove the root system will be necessary and the only option for badly infected borders.
Dandelion- The most well recognised garden weed, it is easy to identify by it’s large yellow blooms and seed ‘clocks’.  Best eradicated using a systemic weedkiller which will kill the whole plant including the root. If weeding by hand it is easy to leave sections of root in the ground with will re-grow another plant.  The seed is wind blown and soon colonises borders, lawns and containers so It is important to stop the plant from setting seed. Remove flowers in bloom and do not leave them lying around or place them in the compost bin as they can still produce seed.
N.B Beware that systemic weedkillers will have an effect on any plant they come in contact with so care should be used if applying within established borders or near to lawns. Manufacture instructions should be followed with regards to application rates and health and safety precautions.

I hope i’ve encouraged you to get out and tackle the weeds in your garden.  If you are in need of garden design and planting advice i’d be happy to help. I offer a bespoke service from consultations through to full design packages. Take a look at my website for more details www.belgrierson.co.uk  or give me a ring on 07506 750250. 

Author: Bel Grierson

Expert Plantswoman and Garden Designer with 20 years experience in horticulture.  Bel loves to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with those with gardens large and small.

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