Creeping buttercup - live and let live as ground cover, or fight the good fight?

steve howe

A couple of winters ago I planted a 'shrubbery wilderness' using fairly ordinary winter hardy shrubs interspersed with tough perennials. I sprayed off the ground with Roundup a couple of times prior to planting, and the shrubs are doing well, but while I was considering a suitable ground cover to put between them, the creeping buttercup returned and has now colonised much of the space under and around the shrubs. As this is a 'semi-wild' scheme, I am now pondering whether to just let the buttercup do its thing as natural ground cover, or to try and eradicate it. As the surrounding grass paths are full of the stuff....am I  making a rod for my own back?

Steve

fidgetbones

I dig it out when I plant something, but it tends to return, along with celandines. If you like it, leave it. If you have a better ground cover, let them fight it out.

yorkshirerose

I agree, just remove it as and when you want to plant something else, otherwise let it run about. If you feel unhappy with it follow my late Mother's motto ' If ought offends you - get rid!' her other saying was ' If in doubt - do nowt!'

Dovefromabove

As above ........... but don't turn your back on it!!! 

Paul B3

I really do like natural planting schemes ; yours looks excellent !

What would be gained by complete removal ? Just (as above) keep under control and remove where you intend planting more species .

I take it you've a rather large oak nearby ; the fallen leaves make a great contrast to the greenery on the ground !

lovegardening77

I just let it grow, my "lawn" is more creeping buttercup than grass. I wanted a wildlife area so I suppose I got it for free!!