Wildlife garden weeds.

Justin Doherty2

Hi all, 

Does anyone know which weeds these are and more importantly how to get rid of them, they're popping up all over!

 

 

nutcutlet

1. is hogweed, (not giant hogweed, just the home grown one)

2 is cow parsley

They dig up relatively easily in soil, hard work to deal with when they've invaded the hay meadow.. Get the flower heads of that cow parsley before it seeds

The hogweed is ripe for glyphosate if you want to use chemicals

Justin Doherty2

Thanks nutcutlet! There any danger to wildlife or drainage into the pond if I use glyphosphate?

michael 58

Good point Justin. We don't want to give the poor honey bees more of a hard time do we? Consider all other options before chemicals 

nutcutlet

I agree with michael re chemicals, I rarely use any and never insecticides. but don't let it go in the pond if you do use it. 

If you've got the energy, dig them up

Dovefromabove

But both are lovely when they flower and so good for insects - I'd let them flower then cut them down.  Some more may spring up next year, they'll look lovely when in flower too but you can cut them down afterwards.  Both are also good food for pet rabbits or dairy goats, so if you know anyone who keeps either, when you cut them down take them along.  

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/cow-parsley I've sowed this in my Little Wilderness at the back of the wildlife pond, and isn't this hogweed flower gorgeous?

 In the autumn you can make homes for insects out of their hollow stems. 

Justin Doherty2

But toxic sap in a school wildlife garden isn't a great idea

Lyn

I used to cut grass in a churchyard, I strimmed that hogweed, not knowing what would happen, My legs were covered in sore spots very itchy. Should have known better and worn over trousers and wellies.