The beginning of the end?
Went outside in a good mood to admire the newly cleared Willow Bridge. Humph. Scuttled back inside in a gardening dilemma. Not happy. What to do about the creeping Iris Confusa Chengdu, looking so messy? I think this is the beginning of the end...
Not my favourite any more!
It has crept here, there, and everywhere. It has circled around the big Miscanthus ornamental grass to crowd out variegated Scrophularia, Lupins, and the Blondie Phormium in the next wee garden. Nothing is safe - even the big khaki coloured Phormium tenax by the water's edge.
Potato Vine
Sneaky spreading...
This often happens to me. I introduce a plant (the Iris arrived twenty years ago) and I really do appreciate it bulking out.
I then don't notice it for years, during which time it does a huge amount of sneaky spreading. Then on a day like today - aargh!
A quick bit of Google research : 'Iris Confusa Chengdu spreads happily by rhizomes (easily controlled if necessary) to fill in a good sized area.'
Hmm... It's great that this plant spreads 'happily', but surely that's a euphemism for 'madly'? Then I re-read the following extract from my last year's journal :
No flowers?
'The Iris confusa got more confused than usual in late winter. It thought the frosts were heavier than usual (they weren't), so its top leaves turned ugly brown, and there were absolutely no flowers later in spring.' No flowers? So what is the point of growing it?
Lavender
One hour later...
Removed a test patch to see how easy/hard it would be. The rhizomes are tenacious, and they grasp onto the surface of the soil as if their life depends on it (it does). I slice underneath with the spade, then I use the breadknife, and pull. Achy hands. Takes ages, but it is possible to lift it all out. Please don't let this be another plant where the tiniest, thinnest root left behind sprouts.
Much later...
Came home after my choir rehearsal to the sweet smell of the pine - more specifically, Leyland cypress. The hedge trimmer is here, parked up overnight, and has made a start. But amazing news - this time he is bringing another person who will clear up the mess. Phew!