Hi There, Fellow Gardeners!
This is AnnahMarie.
Today, Organic Gurlz Gardens of Fort Wayne, Indiana will be sharing information on Ivy. Is Ground Ivy Good or Bad?
Characteristics
Ground Ivy or “Creeping Charlie”, has vibrant green leaves, square stems and lovely scented lavender flowers. The aromatic perennial has a preferred growing area that is moist and shady. While it does make good ground cover, it is quite toilsome to contain.
You probably would not enjoy growing them on your patio or deck unless you are going for “The green look”.
One of the best ways you can get rid of this “weed” is eating it! Creeping Charlie is in the mint family, so the flavor is, well, minty.
Medicinal Properties
Historically, Creeping Charlie tea was used medicinally to relieve coughs, indigestion, headaches and other ailments. It was used in brewing beer in England before hops was introduced. Although the leaves are rich in Vitamin C and can be added to salads, this is not a common practice.
We at Organic Gurlz Gardens see potential and drawbacks in each and every plant. With that being said, it is time to look at the not-so-good side of this plant.
The best outcome for your garden is Organic Gurlz Gardens!
We guarantee our raised garden beds for 5 years, with maintenance and care.
The “creepy” side
Those yummy veggies and fruits will cease to exist with the Creeping Charlie around.
Since it is not a vine plant, it doesn’t necessarily wrap around and “choke” the veggies, it just grows over the veggies.
Sorry Charlie, but you are not taking my yummy food!
Additionally, if close to your house, ground ivy can grow up your walls and under your siding. While this may look “charming” it creates an easy access path for bugs to infest your walls. Plus, it can penetrate window frames and the mortar in brick.
Getting rid of it
If you are going to get rid of Creeping Charlies (not by consuming them or using a herbicide), your best bet is to either
Pull them out the old fashioned way: By hand
Or
Get more light in your home garden!
You may have to prune some trees or snip up a few shrubs where you see the heaviest area of “weeds” growing. Trimming back surrounding plants will allow the sun to reach the Creeping Charlies, and they will most likely die off.
Don’t forget to tell your kids, grandchildren , nieces and nephews about the Kids Oasis!
Don’t have a garden? No Worries! Contact Becca at Becca.b@OrganicGurlzGardens.
Keep on growing!
“Let The Muddy, Messy Girl Build Your Garden Today”
The Organic Gurlz Gardens
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