PLANT OF THE WEEK
CROCOSMIA
and keep out weedy competitors.
There are other weedkillers on the market that don’t contain glyphosate and are often acid based. These will burn off the leaves but not penetrate to the root system so will need regular application.
Home made versions include vinegar mixes with liquid soap or simply pouring boiling water on the weeds.
Again you won’t have root penetration so personally I think you’re better pulling them out.
Whatever your method, it’s not worth risking your health for the sake of a neat garden.
So I think we should all relax a little and be sensible about how we approach our gardening. It was delightful to see the hedges in the South West of Ireland ablaze with wild crocosmia and fuchsia recently.
Crocosmia, or montbretia as it’s often known, is a South African native that has made itself at home here. It’s an elegant combination of swordshaped leaves and arching spikes of bright orange flowers.
One of the best known cultivars is ‘Lucifer’ with devilishly deep-red blossoms.
I also like some of the yellow forms such as ‘Mount Usher’.
Plant in sunny, moderately fertile soil that retains some moisture as you will find flowering diminishes in very dry soil. The cheapest option is to buy corms, which are like bulbs, and plant in spring at a depth of 3-4ins.