Re: mulch, compost & ground covers
Barbara Sargent wrote:
>
> I have several volunteer ground covers, among which are a small cranesbill
> with a tiny deep pink flower and violets. Both of these seem to grow well
> in any conditions. The violets are very difficult to pull and I've
> attempted it at times but they are here to stay. The cranesbills come up
> easily but are constantly reseeding.
>
> Now, if I keep everything mulched and covered with compost do I just put it
> on top of these plants? I don't particularly want to keep them but I also
> don't want to create better conditions for them to thrive even more than
> they do now.
>
Barbara
Provided you cover right over them with your mulch and replenish it
every time it gets a bit thin I am pretty sure you will discourage the
cranesbills, but I am not so certain about the violets. If however you
can spread a layer of newspaper (four sheets, say) under your initial
mulch application, at least over violet clumps I think you might be more
successful.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
