Re: Killing weeds
- To: Julius & Beverly Elischer
- Subject: Re: Killing weeds
- From: r*
- Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 12:21:08 -0700 (PDT)
As much as I rail against Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Bindweed
(Convolvulus arvensis), which often make me throw my hands up in despair,
I have to admit that in several ungardenable spots on my property, where
not even such invasive natives such as Sphaeralcea angustifolia and Sida
hederaceae will colonize, they've become quite attractive. For at least
five months of the year, the Bermuda Grass produces patches of golf
course quality lawn without any care but mowing, while the Convolvulus, of
which I have both the white flowered and the ruby-red flowered varieties,
are quite charming in little jeweled waves upon the emerald lawn.
Otherwise, I was astonished to find that Bermuda Grass seed is sold in
stores here. Probably to people who want a quick way of getting rid of
their gardens. It is of unparalleled perniciousness, growing not only
underground in, through or around any subterranean obstruction, but its
stolons above ground will crawl up the three-foot high legs of stagings,
erected specifically to get valuable plants off the ground, and get into
the pots. A person renovating her house told me she found Bermuda grass
inside a wall at the second storey level. My reference books say it
comes from southern Europe. I wonder where and is it a problem there?
It's also called "devil grass." No wonder to that.
On Tue, 21 Sep 1999, Julius & Beverly Elischer wrote:
> Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 08:18:26 +0800
> From: Julius & Beverly Elischer <elischer@iinet.net.au>
> To: Medit-plants <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
> Subject: Re: Killing weeds
>
>
>
> Tony & Moira Ryan wrote:
>
> > ...... I doubt ANYTHING but direct destruction will cope
> > with convolvulus. I once kept it entirely under mulch for two years and
> > then it came right back!!
> >
> > .
>
> Ouch! I wish you hadn't mentioned that! My neighbours' convolvulus has
> finished covering their yard and is starting on mine (they're both busy
> doctors but I wish they would employ someone to do something about it).
>
> Beverly
>
> --
> Julius and Beverly Elischer
> Perth, Western Australia
> Ph. +61 8 9386 5244
>
>
