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| My garden plot about two-thirds done |
If you compare this picture with the one I took
last Tuesday (the last picture), you'll see that I've made quite a bit of progress in my garden this week. But I've still got plenty of work to do. The plot on the left of me hasn't been touched yet, but that will change as soon as we get a good patch of dry weather. Unfortunately, today looks to be the last dry day for awhile. Including Thursday, it seems. Oh, well; we've been incredibly fortunate on our hikes lately, and last Thursday was stunningly beautiful. I'll take whatever we get.
But if I think I've got work to do, look at these two plots: the one covered with henbit dead nettle (those pinkish flowers) has even more clearing ahead, and the one to the left of it with suspicious looking yellow flowers (dandelions). I've learned quite a bit about henbit dead nettle, since it seems to grow in this particular garden more than any others. That area was fertilized heavily a couple of summers ago with steer manure and grew huge plants, and it seems this henbit likes the area, too.
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| Close-up of the henbit |
I was distressed about this apparent weed until I went online to learn more about it. For one thing,
it's edible. This page calls it a plant at "the top of the pecking order." Hens like it, too, which is why it got that common name. Its botanical name is
Lamium amplexicaule. It's also called "henbit dead nettle" because the leaves are non-stinging, although it's related to the stinging nettle around here that I've grown quite wary of when hiking. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I once made the mistake of not paying attention to what was growing under the spot I found to relieve myself once upon a time. Once was enough.
Another good thing about the henbit is that the flowers attract bees and give them something to eat early in the season before the other flowers bloom. That link also says that it's good to eat either steamed or raw, with a slight peppery taste. I'm not sure I'll venture out into Krysta's garden before she clears it all out to give it a try. Would you? At least I know it's been grown organically.
:-)
Ouch on the nettle front. In the dark I once squatted on a thistle. Which was acutely uncomfortable for a while.
ReplyDeleteI think I would try the henbit. And love the positive changes you have made in your garden. I am off to wrestle with mine now.
henbit spreads here like crazy, too. i see some yards or even fields covered in purple in spring. i do notice the bees love it and so i don't worry about it growing across the yard. :)
ReplyDeleteThe henbit almost has the look of veronica from a distance - a pretty purple. I'd probably pass on eating it, though Bob's grandmother loved dandelion greens. I often think of her when I'm battling mine. We're due for more snow - happy gardening.
ReplyDeleteYou have an incredible challenge with your weeds! That takes a lot of pleasure out of gardening.
ReplyDeleteIt is probably best before it goes to flower. I have never tried it. We had snow again last night but it melted today:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting plant - I've never heard of henbit. Funny story about the nettle - after hiking in the gorge with it's abundant poison oak, I always look before I leak! :)
ReplyDeleteI learned something about plants from you today. We don't have that deadnettle growing here but it does grow in the yard at the Whidbey cabin. It is a pretty thing when it's blooming.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think again about what we call weeds. I have some cultivated lamium in my yard that I bought. They are not weeds. Native lamium is. I guess a "weed" is whatever we didn't plant and don't want. People are kind of nuts sometimes.
No, I won't try it. But the blossoms are a favorite color of mine. LOL
ReplyDeleteWe don't have that much spring sprouting as of yet. But I am enjoying watching chipmunks playing in the back yard. As we speak. A sure sign of spring!
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I might try it. What can it hurt? If you don't like it you can toss it. Might be good in a salad--never know. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy father used chicken manure and horse manure on his garden. Not great to smell, believe me.
ReplyDeleteI never had it, but I would definitely try it. You are coming along fine with your cleaning of the garden area. We still have snow? We didn't.....but we do now. Saw my first robin yesterday. With snow on the ground, I am feeding them for a bit until they can go on their own.
ReplyDeleteI have an acre of Henbit. It is very aggressive but actually quite pretty. If things get hard, I can always graze in the yard. Mine in the yard has had its first hair cut. Now to get all that has migrated to flower and veggie beds.
ReplyDeleteTry it and let us know what it tastes like!
ReplyDeleteOh, you make me want to get my hands dirty ... alas, it's still a little too early in the season here in NY.
ReplyDeleteGee... I don't know DJan. I haven't even tried eating dandelion yet. Let us know if you try it.
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