While enjoying the wafting scent of the tea-olives, my youngest garden helper and I began pulling out Wedelia trilobata from the circular bed surrounding the big oak tree in the back garden.
This ground cover is now considered a category II invasive for the central Florida area. Even though I've always liked the cheery yellow flowers, I decided it was time for this pest plant to go.
Since the Wedelia was brown and crispy after our winter freezes, it was pretty easy to pull up. This job needed to be done before warm temperatures and spring rains brought it back to life. Even so, I'm sure I'll be pulling sprigs out all through the spring and summer.
When the Wedelia was originally planted, it was not considered an invasive. In fact, it was recommended to me by a landscaper. Part of the problem with this plant is the ease with which any part of it will root. So, as I was keeping my patch trimmed up and disposing of the trimmings in the yard waste, I was contributing to the spread of a pest plant. All the ground cover we pulled up this time was disposed of in the trash not the recycled yard waste.
The now blank area was filled with a few newly purchased plants such as Holly Fern and Indian Hawthorn. These particular plants were chosen for their cold hardiness. Other plants were divided from existing clumps growing in other areas around My Garden Path. The pink edging will be pulled out as it is no longer needed to contain the Wedelia.
Bromeliads, Flax Lily, and Flowering Maple were some of the plants added from existing sources in other parts of the garden. Caladium bulbs will be planted later this month to fill out the area.
(The plants which are designated as invasive in Florida can be found here. This is an ever changing list so it is a good place to check periodically.)
Good idea, Kay, to get it out now while it was a bit easier. Oh, and your little helper is a good one to teach and have as your assistant. Your newly chosen varieties will serve you well in that location. You are going to really enjoy watching this grow. So GREAT to be in the garden lately. Only wish I had more time. :-)
ReplyDeleteMeems
Looks like Meems comment covered it all. That is one adorable garden assistant.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to have such an adorable (and hard-working) helper! Too cute! I like your new choices. I had the good fortune of watching my Mom's wedelia go beserk under her front oaks, and I've seen them go nuts in local parks as well. I've steered pretty clear of those in my garden planting. Funny how something landscapers recommend turns invasive eventually, isn't it? Makes me wonder what newer plants on the market will be a problem a few years down the road.
ReplyDeleteYour forward thinking with the cold tolerant plants will pay off come next Winter. As will your teaching you grandkids to garden. Bravo !
ReplyDeleteUh-oh ~ I've got to pull this out of our back yard. I love those yellow blooms, and how it spreads nicely, but it doesn't sound like it ought to be in our space. :-(
ReplyDeleteYou sure have a cutie pie helper, and it's neat that he's learning at this age.
Happy Gardening ~ FlowerLady
I used Wedelia at our last house. It grew in dry sandy, dusty shade where nothing else would, but I guess because of the inhospitable conditions it wasn't as rampant as it is elsewhere. Love your sweetie helper, gloves and all.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay...Eliminating a plant is a lot easier to do when it's all brown and crumbly. It's amazing how everyone I talk to is in search of cold-hardy plants. I think the nurseries are missing out on an opportunity by not seeking out some other types of plants...anyway, you've chosen some nice ones, and I see your Flowering Maple is blooming. I discovered blooms on mine last weekend and was pleasantly surprised. This plant has turned out to be a winner. I'll definitely be rooting more. Looks like you've got a great little helper there with you. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you've also included a list of invasives in Florida! Its always a good idea to check and make sure I'm still planting wisely. While I'm here, thanks for being so supportive since I started my blog last year! :)
ReplyDeleteMeems - I know that I will like this area better as it grows. My assistant was surprisingly helpful. He really liked ripping up the wedelia. It sounds like you have been busy with garden related activities just not enough actual gardening. Hope you get to enjoy the great weather we have for the next little while.
ReplyDeleteDarla - Thanks. He is quite the helper when it suits him to be :)
Floridagirl - I really didn't have problems controlling the wedelia in my yard, but after I read that my disposal method was helping to spread it to other places, I knew it had to go. It is interesting how today's "star" plant can become tomorrow's "thug."
sanddune - Cold hardy is important as the base but I will be filling in with more tender plants I'm sure. My helper is one of the best. Works cheap too.
FlowerLady - I really have enjoyed my wedelia but after reading about it last year, I couldn't take the guilt anymore. Gardening is an activity all the grandkids and I enjoy sharing. That's why I began putting in the back garden.
sherryocala - Oh yeah, the gloves. On/Off. But, they ARE cute.
Susan - I agree with you about the nurseries needing to feature more cold hardy plants for our area. I love the tender perennials and tropicals but it's nice to have a few things that stay year round.
RFG - I definitely need to check that list periodically to keep up with changes. It's amazing how many popular plants are on that list. I always enjoy visiting your blog:)