Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wildflower Wednesday - Bindweed


Am I the only person in the world who loves Bindweed (Calystegia sepium, also called Convolvulus sepium)? Yes, I know it's a problem and just as invasive as my dreaded borage. For the same reason too - leave an smidgin of root behind when you pull it out, and it will grow back. Even the RHS site seems to give up and just recommend drowning it in glyphosate. I once saw the garden of an abandoned house which had been swamped by it. You literally couldn't see an inch of ground. But oh, was it glorious. Just a sea of white flowers.



So this is my contribution for Wildflower Wednesday, the brainchild of Gail over at Clay and Limestone. I've never participated before, but while I was on holiday in the Veneto in early September, I collected up a few wildflower photos to brighten up the winter months. And with temperatures predicted to drop to -4°C tonight, with snow tomorrow, I reckon it's time to start.

The flower in the photo is long dead - but never fear. Those roots are still there, hibernating under the sandy coastal soil. They'll be back again next year...


9 comments:

David said...

We have a purple bindweed here along the Texas Gulf Coast. I like it, so maybe you are not alone.
Happy Thanksgiving.
David/ Tropical Texana/ Houston
:0)

Tatyana@MySecretGarden said...

It is a pretty flower! Simple, but pretty. It reminds me of the morning glory bloom.
Stay warm there, Sue!

Carol said...

I wish I could love bindweed . . . but if I did it would take over my garden. It makes a good go of it in any case. Yes, it is a lovely crisp white morning glory-like flower but it will climb and pull down, cover so thick . . . you would think Sleeping Beauty and no other bloom could have any say. I cannot accept Bindweed in my garden. It is simply too greedy. In a contained space I could see it but not growing wild in a garden.

Gail said...

Sue, I do think it has a great flower! I know it's a problem in some gardens, but, it hasn't found its way here! Glad to have you join WW! Have a sweet day! gail

Gary said...

Hi Sue,
You are not alone, for I too like bindweed. Not in my gardens mind you, but it is always a joy to see in wild areas. It's also quite nice to pull out when weeding as it gives a certain satisfaction that only a gardener could understand. Take care.

Surya said...

You have a lovely photo of wildflower. I prefer not to have wildflower in my garden because if you are late to handle it, it makes you work hard to get your garden beautiful again.

Rose said...

This is a lovely flower, Sue! My bindweed has never produced flowers, but then I try not to let it stay in the ground too long. I'm afraid it would totally take over my garden if I let it!

Jan said...

Bindweed is alright in it's place. That place is not in my vegetables!

Topfgartenwelt said...

Of course bindweeds are nice, i like them too, but it's not possible to tolerate these plants in my flower-bed. if i would do so, i wouldn't see my bell flowers anymore.

Greetings from Austria
Kathrin

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