permaculture

[Claude Genest <genest@together.net>]

Well, guilt and a timely reminder from John S. kept me from doing it !!

Let me share what I learned:

I went on line and did some research on "creeping Charlie" what I learned is that it is an unstoppable ground cover ( that part I knew!) and that it was magnificent at enriching the ground, and most importantly, that because it's shallow rooted, it's easy to claw back and plant into....

So, remembering to work with nature, I went back out to my garden beds, and began to see it as an ally - a good ol' soil protector ... this doesn't change the role/effects of the plant, but it surely does change me...

SO for now, I've clawed back the weed, planted into it extensively and we'll see....


Also, I want to begin a movement to rename Canada Thistle  - "Freedom Thistle" -  what do you think ?

Claude


On Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at 05:57 AM, FranksFarm@aol.com wrote:

> Good day all:)
>
> Like Claude G I'm considering using RoundUp to help control the thistles on 
> my pastures.
>
> It's an aggressive plant that seems to grow quite well here in south central 
> KY.
>
> At first I tried to control by simply mowing it down before it goes to seed. 
> But the underground roots just seem to spread even further. The underground 
> root system can be extensive, and usually there's a thick tap root, as well as 
> many side roots that thicken with age; support more above ground growth etc.
>
> Now I've been trying to pry up, and uproot same but it's hard labor when 
> there are literally a few hundred on these pastures.
>
> I'm also wondering if there are some advantages to having some thistle in 
> your field. Do these roots mine the soil, increase aeration etc. I also see earth 
> worms feeding on root systems.
>
> Leaves and stalks are so prickly cattle avoid close contact and pass on 
> clovers nearby.
>
> I'd appreciate your comments. Frank 
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Best Regards,
Claude William Genest

www.greenmountainpermaculture.com
Green Mountain Permaculture: Solutions, Sustenance, Sustainability

"What Permaculturalists are doing is the most important work being done on the planet."
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