Violets feed butterflies, bees, rabbits and other wildlife. They’re also an asset to gardeners, forming a lovely groundcover under shrubs and perennials. So why are lawn care and pesticide companies so threatened by this native plant? Roundup.com recommends tips to help you “conquer this invader,” calling the unassuming little violet “an aggressive weed that will happily invade your lawn if left unchecked” and “come back to haunt you year after year.” Other mainstream sites are no better; some universities recommend killing violets with strong herbicides just for the sake of preserving lifeless lawns. But violets were growing on this nation’s lands long before turfgrass, so who is really the invader here? Don’t believe the hype, and watch my video about how to incorporate these beautiful native plants into your garden.
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