Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - April 23, 2011
From: Ellijay, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: Removal of Invasive Mint
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
The herb Mint is taking over my flower garden. How can I kill this out? Thank you,ANSWER:
Mr Smarty Plants and the Wildflower Center are really not into herbs, although many species of native plants are in the mint family. You must be giving them excellent conditions to thrive if they have become such a problem. Unfortunately, the choices on how to remove them are somewhat limited: keep digging, remove all runners and roots, repeat.
I checked for earlier questions that are somewhat similar on Mr Smarty Plants. The first one was on Removal of invasive Mints from a garden. It had pretty much the same answer that I just gave you. There was another question about Invasive Native Mint in Ohio; in this one they asked about mint in a pasture, so more aggressive solutions were noted, but it still appears quite difficult.
As noted in those answers – it is best if you want some mint, to grow them in pots to contain their spread. You can also join your local herb society and share your bounty with them. If you need more expert, local help, your Extension Office should be the Gilmer County Extension Office, right there in Ellijay.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Negative and positive effects of invasive dandelions from Rama Ontario
January 12, 2012 - How do Dandelions have a negative impact of being a invasive and a Positive impact of being a invasive species ?
view the full question and answer
Identification of plant with light orange fruit
November 03, 2011 - Trying to identify a small, light orange, oval shaped fruit,light yellow/beige inside, many seeds, vine w/briars, behind an outbuilding in McNeill, MS. tks
view the full question and answer
Native plants for shade in Ennis TX
August 26, 2011 - My house faces south. The southwest side of the front yard has a Pride of Houston, Japanese Barberry, 2 crape myrtles and some dwarf yaupon hollies. The other section, divided by a stairway to the p...
view the full question and answer
Avoiding planting Indian Paintbrush in Hawaii because of invasiveness
March 01, 2007 - My daughter is living in Hilo, Hawaii. For her birthday, her boyfriend ordered her some Indian Paintbrush seeds. Trying to be sure she grows them correctly in a pot, she found instructions that say ...
view the full question and answer
Will native Galium aparine be a problem in Austin garden?
March 25, 2014 - Should I be concerned that my yard is overrun with "sticky weed" (Galium aparine) in the early spring?
Specifically, about five years ago I undertook converting about half my back yard into a na...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |