The weeds were apparent when the snow melted. |
One of
the reasons we bought this house (or more accurately, started renting it from
the bank) was because we were told the previous owner had been a master
gardener. It was hard to envision what the back yard looked like because over
four feet of snow covered everything. However, by the end of April we were
delighted to see the yard was, indeed, a skillfully laid out series of beds
with pea gravel walkways.
The
delight was tempered considerably when the snow completely disappeared and the years
of neglect became apparent. Horsetails and dandelions were running rampant!
A field of nightmares |
Neither
of us has ever been in favor of chemical solutions to weed problems. (My objection
is environmental in nature. Mrs. Poynor’s objection is emotional: she loves
personally choking and wrenching each of the offending weeds.) However, faced
with daunting odds we succumbed to the quick-fix temptation, and judicious
application of a nationally known herbicide was made by carefully following the
manufacturer’s directions.
Far out man... we scoff at your chemicals! |
Enter
scorched earth weed warfare. Armed with a 5-gallon tank of propane and a
gazillion-BTU torch, I have been reducing the haughty herbs to ashes. Progress
is being made, albeit slowly.
Gazillion-BTU torch in action. Burn until rocks pop. |
There
has also been some minor collateral damage. The bottom limb of an ornamental shrub
needs to be trimmed, now. And certainly that one iris will recover – the roots
didn’t burn, I’m sure. Paint will easily cover the scorched spot on the deck (good
thing the water hose was handy). On the other hand, I’m not sure my hearing
will recover from Mrs. Poynor’s loud screeches of, “Burn baby, BURN!”
Oops! Collateral damage. |
I like your style! Will you weed my flower beds while I'm gone????
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