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Re: Favourite Thug for a Med. Garden


Yes I will bite too.

I agree that Herb Robert is a thug - it can be lovely in a wild area where
nothing else will grow - it is relatively easy to remove, but the smell
from the crushed leaves tends to give me a headache. Two years ago I
received seeds of a white form from a lucky dip seed exchange but I have
never been game enough to plant them. I must admit that my attitude to the
plant tends to wax and wane between viewing it as a menacing weed or a half
tame thug.

However, my vote for 'Best Thug' would have to go to a large yellow
flowering form of Lamium (variegated leaves) which I grow (I am not sure
which species it is)  - while very useful underneath well established trees
and shrubs in wilder parts of the garden (it will take almost any abuse) -
it has found its way into my perennial  and alpine border and just swamped
everything. About two months ago I painstakingly removing every piece that
I could find ( it roots at every node that touches the soil) - but I have
noticed in the last two weeks that it is reshooting from a few underground
roots that I apparently didn't find. I am surprised at the vigour with
which it is coming back, particularly  given that it is now winter in
Melbourne. This plant is much more vigorous than  L. maculatum 'White
Nancy' which I also grow  - 'White Nancy' is positively tame in comparison.

An honourable mention should also go to Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' - a plant
that I would not be without as it is excellent in dry shady conditions.
But, although not rampant, it is a strong grower which will out compete
more delicate neighbours - its steady but constant advance swamping and
choking the weak and defenceless.

>From this you would not know that my favourite plant family is Lamiaceae!

PS- I am about to move and my current email address will no longer be valid
- should I unsubscribe and resubscribe to the list once I know my new
address?? If I do unsubscribe it is not a reflection on the quality of
discussion at medit-plants which I have found both entertaining and
informative. Could somebody advise me on the protocol?

Susan George
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