Why do I want to get rid of these?

Vinca minor was in my yard before I got here, and as I've reduced the English ivy it has had a major resurgence.



It is one of the earliest things to bloom in the yard, hardy in dry shade under evergreens, and unbelievably charming when it blooms. So why am I battling it?Clearly, the reason I am not winning the battle is my ambivalence.

This really symbolizes where I am in the native plant issue. Ambivalent. This stuff is pretty. It is also sterile in terms of its wildlife value. It does not support insect or animal populations to any significant degree. It is aggressive and pops up unexpectedly all over my yard. It outcompetes and smothers native spring plants with more significant wildlife value.

But it's lovely to look at right now. We had it at my house in Ann Arbor- one of the first plants I learned the name of. So there is a pause in my battle- but it's not a truce because it is spreading while I regard it with an indulgent smile.

- iPhone uPdate