Weeds and seeds

Don’t disturb the soil while weeding in March, says Val

- Val Bourne

WE’VE all got weeds and I think I’ve got more than most! Ground elder, nettles and bindweed have resided under my old stone walls for centuries, and warmer winters have encouraged them to infiltrate the garden. I’m vigilant and keep a watch on my side of the wall, armed with a trowel.

I can’t use herbicides, because I’m a natural gardener. In any case, I wouldn’t want to. The most popular weedkiller component, glyphosate, has been implicated in causing cancer, so I prefer to worry my weeds rather than breathe in any toxins. Despite my efforts, I have sometimes found a white bindweed flower staring back at me, right by my wall, and perhaps I imagined the smile on its face! If it could talk, it would be saying, “I’m still here, Val.”