Balsam Bashing (4/8/12)

Today the work began in ernest.  Armed with a packed lunch, four children, several pairs of gardening gloves, and bags full of enthusiasm the Parkers headed down to the woodland to become better acquainted with the project.  We have decided that the task taking priority is to rid the meadow of the Himalayan Balsam.  This weed is already towering way over our heads, the seed pods ripening in readiness to pop; each plant capable of scattering approx.800 seeds up to 7 metres...

 

Now, where did we put the picnic?.

Not wishing to use chemical means of removal we spent a back breaking but therapeutic few hours hand pulling plants from the soil.  Ok, so it really wasn't as idyllic as that-for anyone not familiar with Himalayan Balsam (and considering its' widespread occurance and classification as a non-native invasive weed I'm sure that isn't many of you!) this plant is not dissimilar to a 2 metre high tube full of water; ensuring a thorough soaking of the anyone in the vicinity upon removal. Also, to our dismay, the only thing capable of surviving amidst the thick cover of the Balsam was the Stinging Nettle-Joy! By the end of the day I had vowed to find a way to acheive some small measure of revenge and/or appeasement for the almost intolerable, skin-crawling, itching, tingle that covered our arms, hands, and faces until well into the evening-Nettle soup anyone?!