‘It drives me wild, you just can’t get rid of it’ pro gardener reveals the nightmare weed every UK home is at risk of
LANDSCAPING expert Pollyanna Wilkinson revealed the stubborn weed has spread throughout the UK.
The green-thumbed pro explained that once you have it, this unwanted plant is almost impossible to get rid of.
Speaking on her podcast The Ins & Outs, Pollyanna broke down the best way to tackle the invasive species.
She emphasised the importance of keeping on top of weeding in your garden.
According to the expert, the wild flower bindweed has become a common problem across the UK.
Her co-host Jojo Barr, who works as an interior designer, revealed that she spotted the weed in her own garden.
“She sent a picture of bindweed that had gotten so overgrown that it was covering the ground,” Pollyanna explained.
“It’s bad news, it’s everywhere. It’s bad news but we all have it.”
Pollyanna said that the plant “does what it says on the tin” and “binds to other plants.”
“It sort of wraps around them and almost suffocates them,” she told their listeners.
“It’s an absolute bugger because you just can’t get rid of it.”
According to the expert, it doesn’t matter how much of the plant you dig up, “it can resprout from a tiny bit of root.”
“It drives me wild,” the landscaper said, who is also tackling the weed in her own garden.
She explained that some people have reported success in tackling the root by covering it with cardboard.
However, she pointed out that this DIY hack can take up to two years to work.
“We don’t all have the luxury of doing that, mine is in hedgerow on the edge so I’ve got no chance,” Pollyanna said.
“it is just a case of digging it so yes, my friend, what I would do is try and dig out as much as you can,” she advised Jojo.
What is a weed? And why are they important?
Simply put, a weed is a plant that grows in an area or space you don't want it to.
Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor, and keen gardener, explains why gardeners need to become friends with weeds.
“From nettles, buttercups, docks and dandelions – there are so many wonderful plants that are called weeds. And yet, as soon as the weather warms up, and we spend more time in outside, we want to pluck, pull and kill as many of them as possible, to make our gardens look perfect and pristine.
“Weeds are essential to our ecosystem – many are pollinators, providing food to bees, bats, beetles, butterflies, moths and wasps. And without weeds, these animals wouldn’t survive past early Spring.
“Weeds also give back to nature – when they die and decay, their roots break down, feed microorganisms and insects, and make pathways and tunnels for worms. Bountiful life below means plentiful life above.
“Weeds are also brilliant indicators of soil health – which is important if you want to grow anything in your outdoor space. When microorganisms and insects break down weeds, they release essential nutrients into the soil that plants soak up. They also store nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the ground, creating cleaner air and removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, mitigating the climate crisis.
“So before you pull out every weed in your garden, why not give a few of them a chance to grow and bloom, and see what enters your garden to enjoy the flowers…”
“Pull it off everything and then you need to doing it out, and you’re just trying to get all of the white fibrous roots.
“You’re just pulling them out but it is a lifelong hassle, bindweed.”
The Royal Horticulture Society explained that both hedge bindweed and filed bindweed are native to the UK.
“They are beneficial to wildlife, with attractive white and pink funnel-shaped flowers,” the experts said.
“However, they are often unwelcome in gardens due to their spreading roots and twining stems.”