Annual and Perennial weeds
Even if you want to have a natural or 'wild' garden, you will probably want to have some control over the plants that establish themselves. Perhaps some of the worst offenders or botanical thugs (as they have sometimes been termed) are perennnial weeds such as Bindweed, Ground Elder, Creeping Buttercup, and Nettles. Perennials, once established can persist for many years. They often have roots or root like structure (rhizomes) which penetrate the soil, forming a dense network; sometimes these are close to the surface, sometime they may grow to great depths.
Ground elder is a plant that can be a problem in gardens. Like many 'weeds', it has an interesting history. It is thought that it was introduced by the Romans, as a pot herb. It was also used as a herbal remedy for gout & rheumatism (hence one of its 'common' names - goutwort.) Removing ground elder is not easy, the root system has to be dug out, ensuring every last bit is removed. The bits should not be added to the compost bin though. Mowing or strimming of the leaves can gradually weaken the plant; if a systemic weedkiller (herbicide) is used then several applications may be needed - see last section on weedkillers.
Rosebay willow herb is an opportunistic perennial (see photo). In nature, it would establish itself in areas clearing by burning - forest fires etc. During the Second World War, it became a common sight in the bomb craters, disturbed ground and deserted gardens of bombed out houses in major cities such as London and Coventry; it was sometimes called the bombweed or fireweed.
Once established, the plant develops an extensive root system by which it can spread vegetatively. Its flowers are a pink colour, and each has 4 petals. When fertilised they form a long, thin seed capsule which can contain 300 or more small, brown seeds. A single plant can forms tens of thousands of seeds. Each seed has a small hair like projection which helps its dispersal, it can 'float' on the wind. The spread of this plant was probably also aided by the development of the railway system in the C19th century; this was certainly true of the Oxford ragwort.
In between the ephemerals and the perennials are the annuals. These live for one year. A seed will germinate, grow, flower and set seed in one growing season. An example of a weed that falls into this category is goosegrass, aka cleavers, bedstraw or Galium aparine to give some of its many names. It grows by climbing over other plants, reaching lengths of six to eight feet. The stems are ridged and 'squarish' in cross-section. They are covered with many minute 'prickles' or hooks, which help the plant 'climb' and also attach itself and its fruits to animals - for dispersal. It is found extensively on farmland and in hedgerows; there is concern that it is becoming resistant to certain herbicides. Like so many 'weeds', it is not without its uses - or former uses. The young stems and leaves were used to make infusions for skin conditions, and also cystitis. Culpepper (one of our most famous herbalists) recommended it in the treatment of the yellow jaundice. Details of its various theoretical uses can be found here .
