Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Lily of the valley, a fragrant spring bloomer, may present significant challenges in the home landscape due to its capacity for spreading quickly through resilient rhizomes. Although it adds allure to your garden with its heavenly fragrance, this plant can be particularly invasive despite its charm. Furthermore, the plant poses a serious health risk due to its toxicity if ingested, posing a threat to children and pets.
The spread of lily of the valley can be controlled by implementing a series of measures aimed at controlling its growth. Selecting a suitable location with ample space permits the plant to spread without suffocating other plants around it. Using edgings or containers to limit the growth space of the plant further helps in taming this plant. Placing it in a sunny area and trimming the flowers before they go to seed are other helpful strategies.
Quite possibly the most time-tested method of controlling lily of the valley is digging up the plan clumps. This is most effective when the soil is moist, easing the root extraction. Once uprooted, the plant should be disposed of safely in a suitable location. However, repeated sessions of uprooting may be necessary given the plant's stubborn root system.
Permanent elimination of lily of the valley is a bit more challenging and may need more drastic measures. The generally accepted methods include smothering the plant or using non-selective herbicides, both of which aim at killing the plant in its entirety. Regardless, organic methods should be prioritized over chemical control due to their safety and environmental friendliness.
Smothering can be achieved by covering the plant with landscaping cloth, cardboard, or even newspapers, further adding a layer of mulch or gravel on top. This setup needs to be left undisturbed for at least one growing season to effectively stifle the plant and curb its growth.
If physical removal and smothering fail to deliver, or the infestation is too severe, non-selective herbicides like Finale or Round Up can be used. These should be applied carefully to avoid damaging other plants in the vicinity. The application should be directed at the lily plants only, preferably in the early spring when the plant is tender. Any accidental contact with other plants should be immediately washed off. Multiple rounds of application may be necessary to fully eradicate the plant.
Once the lily of the valley has been successfully eradicated, you can then focus on planting a suitable cover for the area. Autumn is conducive to establishing grass in the bed. There are several alternatives like myrtle, pachysandra, ivy, daylilies, ornamental grasses, and low-growing junipers. Always have in mind the region's suitability for different plants to ensure optimum growth.
If lily of valley already exists in your garden alongside other plants such as common violets or invasive grass, a balance can be struck between them. Although proper diligence is required to maintain this delicate balance, it is achievable with the right steps. However, not all varieties of plants will harmoniously coexist with lily of the valley. Therefore, learning about the growth habits and tendencies of all plants within the garden is vital.
Irrespective of the control method used, it's essential to prioritize safety. When using herbicides, follow all label instructions to ensure safe and effective use. Organic approaches are typically safer, but when using non-organic solutions, please take precaution to not let it come into contact with other plants or water sources.
