Comments on: Do Landscapers Listen to Our Own Advice? Plants We’d Never Plant at Home (Part One)

By: Iain Gray

Iain Gray — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:06:54 +0000

Pampas Grass.

I mean, it’s very pretty to look at, but when you try and remove it, it shows its true nature.

I once nearly burned down a house I lived in trying to remove Pampas Grass. We’d hacked at the thing for 2 days with picks, blades and shovels. It was still holding strong, so I came up with the bright idea of trying to burn the sucker out.

I poured petrol on it, lit it, and smiled as the flames went up with a satisfying WHOOOSH.

Then I noticed quite how close it was to the wooden shed and fence, which ran all the way directly to the house.

Cue frantic pouring of water and fire extinguishers, trying to get it to die back.

Anyway, that thing kept on burning for about a week, like one of those underground coal fires, until we finally managed to vanquish it.
.-= Iain Gray´s last blog ..Why Your Website Only Attracts Cold Calls =-.

By: Santa Monica

Santa Monica — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:05:35 +0000

In some areas, barberry (Berberris Thunbergii) has actually become invasive. For example, it’s on the city of Ann Arbor’s “no-no” list of invasive plants, especially if planted near natural areas. I did pull two of mine, but I still have two, which I initially planted as a hedge because kids were cutting through my property when the public path is not 8 feet away. Of course mine have their natural shape, and, frankly, I do like them. I figure with all the buckthorn I’ve removed, we’ll call it even with me keeping the two barberries! I want to say they’re not overplanted here (because I don’t see them so much and I watch for such things), but at the same time, they must have gotten on the list *some*how… Thanks for remembering my comment on day lilies; it saves me the trouble of having to rant all over again! Their pollen also stains clothes in a way other plants don’t!

By: Genevieve

Genevieve — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:04:44 +0000

I am so with you Rebecca! Bacopa is great in containers for a season, but in the ground it can be a real thug. I’m so sorry about poor Harry Lauder. He is a fine plant. Another thing with Bacopa is that it kind of stinks! Some people like the smell, but it makes me gag.

I actually do plant Barberry sometimes too, but only if there’s loads of room for the guy, as you said.

By: rebecca sweet

rebecca sweet — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:55:32 +0000

Great post, Gen! I agree with all of the plants to avoid, except for Barberry…but I’m sure I’m in the minority here. Whereas it’s terribly invasive in most parts of the country, we don’t have that problem here in the Bay Area, so I just love to plant it when I can (and no…I don’t plant it next to hose bibs, walkways or in childrens’ gardens either! haha)…

A plant I would include on the list would be Bacopa..while I agree it’s beautiful year round…it forms such a thick mat of roots that it tends to suffocate nearby plants – especially when it’s planted in a container. I lost a lovely Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick due to this thug and will never plant one again!
.-= rebecca sweet´s last blog ..Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day – December 2009 =-.