I've been thinking a lot about my gardening practices lately. Traditionally, I've fought against all the usual weeds—docks, dandelions, thistles, you name it! I've even tried to keep my wildflower border free of invaders like creeping buttercup. However, I've started to reconsider my strict approach after spotting some ragwort and herb robert in my garden. While I tell myself I'm all for supporting pollinators, how can I justify pulling out every bit of willowherb? So, I'm curious—what 'weeds' do you let grow in your gardens, and which ones do you think are worth keeping?
3 Answers
I like to keep a variety of plants, including dandelion-leafed ones for eating. I've grown a ton of free food from what most would pull out, like wall lettuce and sow thistle. Plus, the pollinators love them too!
In my garden, I actually invite a lot of what others call weeds! Flowers like wallflowers, sea stocks, and oxeye daisies thrive here. I find plants like knapweed and toadflax not just attractive but also great for pollinators. Honestly, my garden is a bit of a wildflower haven, and I love it!
I dig up lawn daisies from the verge and plant them in my lawn where they spread beautifully. I even keep creeping buttercup in check since it doesn't bother me as much. Dandelions, on the other hand, are definitely not welcome!
That’s awesome! I’ve started doing the same with wild edibles. It’s so satisfying to see them thrive.