smilax

Every year the back of our property gets a little more wild. Partly this is due to my laziness, but I rationalize it in many ways. We don't really need to use the space ourselves for any other purpose; it provides a haven for birds, insects and other wildlife; it serves as a buffer between us and the property behind us; it's fun to watch what happens there; and I'm sure I could think of more reasons if I tried.

I haven't totally let go of it. I clear up poison ivy and any invasive species I just don't like. I never really thought I would allow greenbrier to grow there either, but this year I decided "why not," as long as it doesn't get too far out of control. The kind we have is Smilax bona-nox, which is the most common type in this area.

I can't say that smilax has a lot of benefits. The fruits are eaten by birds, but that's all I know. I believe it is native to the area and I have always see it in the woods when I go hiking, so it seems natural to me for it to be here.

Posted by Bill Hopkins on July 8, 2003 07:18 PM
Comments

Your blog makes me dream and yearn for some dirt of my own, something more than the cactus in pots that I have. A place where I can plant bunch grasses and coyote brush, where I can sprinkle native wildflower seeds.

Posted by: Joel at July 10, 2003 03:15 AM

It's a 2-edged sword Joel. There is many a day I wish I did not have to mow the lawn or weed the garden. Living next to a national forest or a park sounds pretty good to me.

Posted by: bill at July 11, 2003 07:38 AM