Dealing with the growing problem of Japanese knotweed

It's something we hear a lot about in the press, and something that's tricky to be rid of, yes the scourge of Japanese knotweed. And it makes for scary reading. I often wonder if I'd know it if I saw it, and if it really does march on as the press would have us believe.

After some Google image searching I was relieved to know I've not seen any nearby, but now I know what I'm looking for, I'm keeping an eye out. 

It seems it's no ordinary plant or weed. It's one that's incredibly fast growing so can easily take over an entire garden and scarily a home if it's left uncontrolled, causing serious problems to properties.  There's reports of it being hard to get a mortgage for properties with it in the garden, and can even send property values plummeting, which sounds crazy doesn't it...

So if it's so dangerous, how can we deal with it effectively?

Firstly - and this may sound obvious, but it's worth stating anyway - make sure what you're dealing with is actually Japanese knotweed. Perhaps you've suddenly noticed a new plant in your garden, and not something you planted. Often these can be gifts from the birds and wildlife, but as in life, not all gifts are equal.

I've already admitted I wasn't sure what it looks like, and it seems I'm not alone - less than 44% of us would recognise it according to one survey.  If you see shoots appearing in your garden, which are similar to bamboo then start to investigate more. When they appear, the leaves are slightly tear-shaped, or may even be described as a sort of oblong heart.

The real clue though in figuring out if you have Japanese knotweed growing is if the new plant starts growing like wildfire, no matter how much you cut it down. Which seems quite late, a bit like when MOH started joining in the gardening. He was a keen weeder, sometimes too keen and regularly brought a plant along asking if it was a weed or not, and let's just say it wasn't always a weed, but of course by then it was too late. And not matter how much he tried shoving it back in the ground rarely helped...

The experts say trying to eradicate Japanese knotweed on our own is largely a futile task. The problem lies in the deep and wide root system that enables it to grow and grow. So, simply slashing down from above ground doesn't do much to solve the dilemma, other than goad the roots to send up a new batch of troublesome shoots. Sprays bought from garden centres and home remedies are usually also ineffective. 

NOT JAPANESE KNOTWEED - IF YOU SUSPECT YOU MAY HAVE THIS WEED, DON'T TAKE THE HAZY, ROMANTIC VIEW...
Photo by A Fox on Unsplash

The recommended solution to effectively remove Japanese knotweed is to get the experts in. Companies in the UK now specialise in the removal of Japanese knotweed and have developed highly effective methods and equipment to kill it off for good. They use powerful herbicide treatments and dig-outs so the entire root system is removed so there’s nothing left to grow back.

The benefits of professional removal of Japanese knotweed means there's no future risk of damage to the property.  I didn't realise that if you have it you're legally obliged not to let it spread to neighbouring properties - what responsibility, but then again I'd be pretty annoyed if it came from any of my neighbours. To do so is an offence that could attract an ASBO, a fine, or even a jail term — it really is dangerous stuff, isn't it? 

So after learning more about this weed I'd recommend that if you suspect you have a growing Japanese knotweed problem, seek help — and professional assistance — before it’s too late. Look for the best firms specialising in the removal of Japanese knotweed, because they will be able to provide you with an insurance-backed guarantee for their work, and that means you won't encounter any problems selling your house at a later date, because your buyers will be able to secure a mortgage on your property.

Usually I'd ask if any of you experience anything like this, but I seriously hope you haven't as it sounds horrendous and I can't help but be reminded of The Day of the Triffids, which traumatised me for a long time after watching it way back in 1981. 

1981?!  How is that even possible?!

* This is a collaborative post but views are my own

A tidy up in the garden

After starting to put the garden to bed last weekend, when we spotted the sun shining again this Sunday we headed out to do a bit more. The plan was to put the umbrellas away, and move the hibiscus (finally). But as it was warm in the sun, as often happens a little bit more was done. I took the opportunity to plant out those Lords and Ladies from the greenhouse in my gabion basket planters - I think they should do pretty well in there, as that's the most woodland-like area of our garden.

As I was pottering about I couldn't help but notice that the chrysants are starting to fade - and I think they look better this way.  They are ultimately destined for the allotment, but we're enjoying the burst of colour they bring. Usually though they don't have much company for colour, this year with its wacky temperatures there's still some bedding about.

And of course the hibiscus. It still has buds. Bonkers hey?

We did move it though into a much more sheltered position alongside the agapanthus which have the shelter of the conservatory, and the warmth of two boiler outlets (ours and next doors, we don't have two boilers!)

There was also some time for some weeding. Remember my much loved corner from the summer? Well it looks a little different now - it looked different again before the weeding too!  The lavender has filled out, and the petunias are done. 

The lone strawberry plant growing between two paving slabs has filled out quite a bit too.

And the begonias seem to be in competition with the small Christmas tree.  Hiding amongst the begonias (on the right) are some more Lords and Ladies,  I hadn't seen them there before, so they must have been one of the tubers I planted hopefully.  I could - if I'm lucky - have a whole pot of them we'll have to see.

Further along the sleeper bed, I spied this pretty leaf and while these were destined for the compost, this sole pretty leaf gave them a stay of execution. I'm expecting to be repaid with more pretty leaves!

As I was clearing more weeds from around the circle I spied this discarded flower head and was struck by its vibrancy, even though it's clearly decaying.

The sedum are turning their jewelled colour and the winter jasmine is clambering through them - these are more usual plants for this time of year, and it's good to see them.

While I faffed about and took pictures, MOH was mowering up fallen leaves and feeling all smug with himself for using the lawnmower. It worked well, but won't be an option soon as the grass will be too wet. Which is a shame as picking up leaves is back breaking work, and something I'm happy to leave to him, which of course he's spotted.  

And still the fatsia wows me, with it's delicate bauble-like flower heads. I'm glad it's one of the plants we can see from the window. Exquisite isn't it?

But guess what? It was windy overnight and the cherry tree has deposited another dusting of leaves, all over the grass. I'm pretty sure MOH thinks the trees in collusion with the squirrels (who continue to dig up the lawn just to annoy MOH!)

How's your garden, have you ventured out there recently?

Feathers, berries and glitz at Homesense

Back in August Homesense invited me along to take a look at some of their Christmas range. You might think it strange to immerse yourself in all things festive at that time of year - and it is - but the weather did its best to make it feel like winter, as it was on one of those days where it rained and rained, and rained... so we didn't need to stretch our imagination too far at all!

You only need to glimpse at these pictures to see there is much loveliness in the Homesense Christmas range, but choosing, now that's the difficult thing - but they've put together this fun quiz to help you identify which festive trend is the one for you.

I loved the black feather wreath above and the jewelled bird that adorned it.  You'd think something that rich would work best on a plain background but the almost William Morris-like wallpaper worked equally well.  In contrast the white and gold plate setting appealed just as much, I'm not quite sure what that quiz will make of me!

I'm not one of these people that completely change their Christmas decorations each year, I much prefer to add to my collection each year and as in the rest of my life there's often quite a bit of colour. And I'm fine with that. These metal stars are something I'd happily add to my collection, I think they could be most versatile and used throughout our house. My trouble of course is convincing MOH we need more decorations, though he's often the first to say that our living room doesn't feel that Christmassy. Hmmmn.

The feathered bird wreaths were great though, and there's plenty of colourways to match your theme.

This year I'm very tempted to go with more rustic and natural elements and eucalyptus leaves are high on my wishlist.  Whether I go for the natural or glittery sort, or home-glittered sort I'm not sure yet, I'll see how it goes.  I'm planning to use some greenery from the garden and this could be the first year I take some trimmings from the small Christmas tree.

The pink glittery bird is clearly no fool, he (she?) has found a wreath that will see them through the festive season!

These lights made an impression on me too. I think MOH would rather have the drinks trolley though if I'm honest. I'm fine with the drinks, but could happily skip the trolley element - I wonder in years or months to come if I'll prove myself wrong with that last statement?

So plenty of glitz and quite a few feathers and berries in the Homesense Christmas range, I think I may need to pop along just for another look, and maybe to see what pops into my basket.

Do you have a theme to your Christmas decorations, or like me make additions as you go?

* Thanks to Homesense for the invitation to view the Christmas range.