How Does Your Garden Clutter?

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

31 Jan 2007 06:54 AM

Just when you think you have finished sorting out the clutter on the inside of your home, you dare to look out towards the yard and what do you see? No homeward angel there; only weeds, poison ivy and dandelions running amok and amid your grasses and shrubs. What to do, what to do? Don't despair. Reinforcements are coming over the horizon even if it's too clouded with lawn debris for you to see them. Hang on and read!

Poison Ivy This unpleasant little plant with three green leaves and a red stem will not survive a solution mixed from 3 parts salt, ¼ part dish soap and 2 parts hot water. Soak the ivy in it two or three times, being careful not to touch it. Wear gloves just to be on the safe side. Its poisoning days are now over.

Weeds Considering the advantages of procrastination, in the case of weeding it will be easier if you save doing the job until after a heavy or consistent rainfall. Regular mowing is a good way to prevent the weeds from spreading their seeds. (Do this before the rain, or otherwise learn to dance and sing in it like Gene Kelly.) Weed removal can be easily accomplished with the aid of an unexpected tool, a beer can opener. Insert the opener under the root and lever it out.

Dandelions Many people don't know that dandelions are edible and considered tasty and nutritious when added to soups and salads. Check this out, but don't let it deter you from getting rid of most of them. One way to do this if they have already gone to seed is to use one of those gas BBQ lighters. Direct the flame onto the fluffy tops of the dandelions and burn the seeds before they can fly away and reproduce. Do not try this when the grass is dry!

So stand in your garden, take an idyllic look, attack and destroy!

Do YOU have any garden tips to add? Please share.

Related Reading:

"Kid's Clutter: Any Hope At All?"

"Clutter: Attack and Destroy"

"Don't Go In The Basement Clutter"

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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