The star thistle is on the move.
Last year, I noticed for the first time that it was growing on the section of my good neighbor’s yard that borders mine. We attacked it with vigor, and spent a pleasant evening together filling up our trash bags. I wrote about that night here: https://www.ordinaryholy.com/star-thistle-eyes/
The last few days, I’ve been wandering through that middle country between our houses, and have noticed it again. It’s mostly small shoots so far without the dreaded flowers. One good thing is that my weed recognition skills have improved; I can spot the soft green of the thistle stalks, especially as they are growing now in a sea of brown, because the grass and other weeds have started dying off in this hot summer season. Apparently, star thistle is a late bloomer in these parts.
Thistles that I pulled up this morning. Tomorrow, there will probably be more.
(I remember the first time my Dad visited us years ago when we lived in Ohio. He was startled that the neighborhood lawns were brown in the winter, but green in the summer. Here in California, where he lived his whole life, it was just the opposite.)
I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that it’s a little disheartening, the appearance of the star thistle shoots. But you know if you’ve been reading these reflections for any time, or watched any of my blackberry project videos (my most recent video is here: Blackberry Project Update), that for some reason, I keep wanting my weed work to be a “one and done” project. It’s true not just of the star thistle, but of all the invasive plants I’m trying to tame here: the Velcro burr weeds, the Himalayan blackberries. Also the English ivy and vinca and breath of heaven trees. Once I see them and dig them up, that should be the end of them, forever and ever, amen, right? My neighbor and I pulled up so much star thistle last year! Isn’t that enough?
Life keeps showing me otherwise.
These invasive plants don’t follow my rulebook. Continue Reading…
