#WeedsNotWeeds Archives - Page 2 of 15

Category Archives: #WeedsNotWeeds

If a weed by the standard Webster’s definition is “a plant that is not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth,” then what’s a #WeedNotWeed? By the standard Humane Gardener definition, it’s a species deemed a weed by humans but relied heavily upon by wildlife. Some of these native plants need little introduction, having finally revealed their long-neglected beauty thanks to a growing interest in bee and butterfly gardening. Others are still commonly saddled with stereotypes, appearing most often in derogatory lists of “weeds” created for large-scale agriculture. This ongoing Humane Gardener series, #WeedsNotWeeds, highlights both the native plants in the limelight and those in the still-maligned-light.

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.