The Imperfect Gardener

by Adina Sara

It's oxalis time again. Every year the blanket of green clover covers the ground like a wall-to-wall carpet, presenting gardeners with the eternal dilemma: to fight or not to fight.

I have written more than my share about this soft little weed, and yet, come winter, there it is again, rearing its little head everywhere, challenging me to confront the pros and cons of dedicating all my spare gardening time to its resolution.

I recently dug in one warm afternoon, attempting to eradicate a particularly thick mass of oxalis that had sprung up overnight in a small area where young salvias were trying their best to survive. The previous year I had responsibly laid down thick mats of newspaper in that area, hoping to "keep the weeds down." Hah! The oxalis sprouts made it through the newspaper wads just fine, and when I dug deep below the pathetic weed barrier, I unearthed huge thickets of worm-like tendrils oxalis roots even more formidable underground than above the surface. It became very clear to me that this effort would only result in frustration and defeat.

Every year I have to remind myself that oxalis will go away in its own sweet time if left alone, providing great and sometimes gorgeous mounds of bright yellow flowers during its short duration. And so, why all the fuss?

It all comes down to whether or not, as gardeners, we seek to control or connect with our outdoor environments. Toxic chemicals can be purchased at any hardware store, designed specifically to eradicate all sorts of delicate ground covers, but that option is so absurd it doesn't even merit consideration. It makes more sense to understand the nature of our yearly garden visitors before expending energy trying to control them.

I have decided to let the oxalis be, preferring to turn my attention to more rewarding winter tasks. Everything needs to be cut back and shaped, and what plants are blooming need only be enjoyed. The real work is still months away, and there aren't many hours of light to play outside. Carrot seeds have already sprouted, and the winter greens I planted over a month ago bok choy, beet, chard, and spinach are being enjoyed at dinnertime. The snow peas need to be staked, and the fava beans are growing fast. Even if you don't like to eat them, plant them anyway. They add nitrogen to the soil, providing nourishment for the vegetables you will plant in the spring.

The February garden requires a lot of waiting. It is quiet and satisfying work, almost always resulting in success. Leave the oxalis alone. Spring will be here soon enough, and when it comes, you will probably be too busy out there to notice the oxalis disappeared just as quietly as it arrived.

Volunteer Gardening Projects

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tours are looking for volunteers to help with mailing announcements as well as volunteers for the May 6 tour. Visit www.BringingBackTheNatives.net, and click on "Preview the 2007 Gardens."