porcelain vine takes washington dc

porcelain vine is a horrible invasive plant in the eastern united states that smothers native plants and is sold in nurseries for its decorative qualities. sure, the berries start as an awesome turquoise and eventually turn to a more awesome purple, but this plant pulls down trees, people! in the dc area, it was actually recommended as a decorative verticle plantscape to cover sound barrier walls around the beltway: stupid paid advisor! birds love the beautiful berries and spread them throughout the area: now they threaten to take over rock creek park. only the weed warriors care.

mile-a-minute weed

wow...this stuff is taking over! Polygonum perfoliatum was first recorded in oregon in 1890 and then in beltsville, maryland in 1937: both "mile-a-minute" weed populations were eradicated. it popped up between the 1930's and 1946 at a rhododendron nursery in york, pennsylvania and was kept and studied by the nurseryman. this invasive non-native plant species is now found radiating 300 miles from the york nursery. i took this shot in rock creek park today. vine-y!

how to get rid of bindweed

bindweed has taken over my front garden...i already dug it up, ripped it out and mulched heavily: twice! but after several weeks of rain they are back in full force! its not all bad though: i made these pretty things from the flowers!