Occasionally I pass along tidbits of information to my grown kids. They are titled:
"Things My Mother Never Told Me."
Here comes another one. I want to be sure, none of you make this mistake and have to deal with what I'm battling.
Previous Owner apparently collected plants from the wild and introduced them into this property. I suspect she didn't know anything about them other than they were charming or pretty. When we closed the sale of Crocker Croft, I remember her replying to Husband/Best Friend/Chief Photographer when he said, "Thank you for growing all the flowers." She said, "You may not thank me."
Over the years there have been several times "I did not thank her". We now have the Colts Foot, horseradish, and Jerusalem Artichokes under control, but I have to watch for them as they still make sneak-appearances here and there. The ironweed and goldenrod are an ongoing battle. As long as I can get help, we will use a heavy hand with them. There are enough escapees to still make beautiful, complementary vibrant purple and gold patches here and there.
The tip: Never collect goldenrod from the wild and plant in flower beds, unless you know what you're doing - that is - you can identify the species, know its habits, and are sure that is what you want. Beautiful as it is, you'd be planting labor intensive trouble. There are better-behaved goldenrods available on the market.
Wild Goldenrod half open.
It spreads by seeds and strong aggressive roots. The roots are tinted a purplish red on some sections, so are Ironweed roots, and those of our wild white asters.
Full Bloom
Interesting how the colors of spring and autumn are frequently yellow and purple, which are complimentary contrasting colors.
Wild Goldenrod and New England Asters
Iron Weed (Vernonia altissima)has a rich vibrant color. This photo does not do the color justice. To see it in 'person', it nearly puts your eyes out.
It, too, spreads by seed and roots that are as strong and aggressive as Goldenrod, if not more so. It can grow very tall, as this one has that is beside a water tap which is used frequently. It is beautiful in the garden. Just be sure you understand what you are getting when you plant it. You can see this one better if your click on the photo and make it larger.
Goldenrod and butterfly
