Can anyone identify this for me please

[SusanS]

Hi,

please can someone identify this shrub for me.  It is growing in the Church Parish Centre that I am rejuvenating as a work project, it appears to be happy growing in full sun on dry sandy loam over clay.  It was 'pruned' back hard in the middle of summer two years ago and is slowly recovering.  The 'Flower ladies' use it in arrangements, hence the lop-sided appearance - the poor thing is regularly trimmed.  Currently it is about 6 feet tall (2 metres)

I know I should know the name and it is on the tip of my tongue, and is slowly driving me insane .... so please help.   

Cheers Susan

[Michael J Campbell]

 Griselinia littoralis

[SusanS]

Thanks Michael - I can now sleep soundly 

[Michael J Campbell]

 

[SusanS]

Hi everyone,

got another plant that I need assistance for please.  I believe it is a 'snowberry' or Symphoricarpos but I'm not sure which one.  The photo is of new growth as the plant has recently been cut back hard as it was taking over a border - I believe before cutting back the plant was about 1.75m tall with thin woody stems.

The plant seems to sucker freely - currently covering an area about 9m² and still going! 

I think when I submit my recommendations for the border I will be suggesting that a strong strapping lad be found to dig it out.   

Cheers
Susan

[Maggi Young]

Symphoricarpos albus, I'd think, with those neat oval leaves.

Two strapping lads might be required......

[SusanS]

cheers Maggi,

as the last gentleman who tried to dig it out put it 'The devils got hold of the roots, you'll never get rid of it'

I try to limit my use of chemicals but I do feel a glyphosphate moment coming on 

In the absence of two strapping lads I might be able to persuade the new 'poster boy' for the gym to lend a hand. 

[Maggi Young]

Yup, I think this might well be a case for glyphosate - I wouldn't want to risk the "poster-boy"..... 

I'm not keen on chemical solutions to problems, usually, but believe me, if I ever have to dig out a lilac tree again, I'm bringing in chemicals..... in the form of  explosives 

[SusanS]

Yup, I think this might well be a case for glyphosate - I wouldn't want to risk the "poster-boy"..... 

I'm not keen on chemical solutions to problems, usually, but believe me, if I ever have to dig out a lilac tree again, I'm bringing in chemicals..... in the form of  explosives 

Darren will be so pleased to hear you say that Maggi, though I maybe in trouble for letting on that his photo has appeared on a banner outside the local gym promoting its benefits.     

[Maggi Young]

You should be okay, Susan, so long as you don not a) show the photo and
 b) answer any questions as to whether the photo is for the before or after a gym course ..... 
( I know this is relevant on account of Ian and his gym membership... as you know, Ian is around 55kgs, soaking wet!)..... 

[SusanS]

it's the wirey looking lads that you have to look out for they have what my Dad (who worked in the building trade) classed as "working muscle" rather than the "showy muscle" of the body builders. 

I've already got into trouble for sending a photo of the banner to some friends, but what is life without a bit of risk. 

Personally I think he is rather pleased with it myself - not being what you would class as a typical gym bunny.

Susan

[johnw]

Susan  - Make sure the glyphosate you get has a sticker spreader in it or add some washing up liquid to it. Water and chemicals bead up and roll right off those leaves. The devil may have a hold of the roots but with the other hand he's pushing up new ones - a suckering horror almost as bad as bindweed. Good luck.

johnw

[Diane Whitehead]

A chain and a truck should work.  Not a rope - I've broken several of them,
but have never broken a chain.

[Palustris]

The roadside verge outside our property is covered in the stuff. I cut it down last year as it was obscuring the blind bend. The stems just stopped the shredder dead. I have been putting weedkiller on the new growth every 2 weeks since Spring and it kills off the new stuff ok, but more keeps coming up. Digging out is not an option for us as it is actually growing in a low wall and I  don't want to have to rebuild that. So best of luck with getting it out!

[SusanS]

oh dear .....

I did add washing up liquid to the first spray - and I gave some of the leaves a quick rub in my hands, (I was actually trying to damage the horsetail that was growing amongst it  ), due to spray it again next week, along with the:
dock
nettles
bindweed
horsetail
brambles
dandelions   


never mind I like a challenge and I'm sure my tutor will appreciate the amount of work I will need to put into clearing the site before I replant it.

I'll keep you updated on the 'I'm so nervous' thread in the members area as it is part of my college course.

Susan x