Today began my never-ending battle of the spring/summer season: noxious weeds. I've been putting it off for a couple of weeks, and it's a good thing I did. It snowed last Thursday, so I was glad I had delayed beginning. Hopefully we're done with snow for the year. I donned my crocs, old pants, an old shirt, and red Kua Aina baseball cap, grabbed my bucket, gloves, and handy-dandy weeding tool (the one that looks like a long screw driver with a forked end), and went to work.
How can all the weeds on the planet earth be concentrated in my yard? And, how can they have already taken over when it is only May 5? Even with a yard remodel (more grass, less "garden area") , the weeds will be daunting. I've done this the last two summers, and here I go again. I anticipate spending about 10 hours a week weeding.
As I bend over the multitude of weeds right there on Wasatch Boulevard, I wonder if the potential improvement in curb appeal will outweigh the present sight of (let's hope) not my better side to the many who drive by. So far no one has called to report a new planet or astroid sighting in our neighborhood, so it may not be as bad as I fear.
Speaking of fear, there is always the danger factor of weeding: spiders. Due to my collossal aversion to spiders (I can barely type the word. From now on I'll just put s), I am on constant alert. Over 50% of my weeding area is our rock wall - the nooks and crannies there are a haven for the dreaded s. In addition, every blade of grass or weed that tickles my leg makes me jump until I confirm that it is indeed merely vegetation and not a giant s ready to pounce, or eat. I'm not sure which would be worse. Ugh, I have to change the subject or I'll be having nightmares for weeks.
My two nemeses this summer will be clover and the dread Morning Glory (to be pronounced with as much awe/aversion as "the dread Pirate Roberts" from Princess Bride). I have determined to make a huge dent in the morning glory problem. I vow not to pull any out (thus causing them to double). Rather, I have in mind a few other options. If any work, I'll report. If none work, I'll curse. Actually if none work, I'm tempted to leave them be, and say I have it there on purpose. I just hate to do that to my neighbors.
Here's hoping I can make some good progress that will be more lasting than the last couple of years.
Diane, I love reading your blog. You are an amazing writer. I also very much enjoy your emails each week. Good luck with your weeds!
ReplyDeleteMarian