Question From: J. Gaither - Portsmouth, Virginia, United States
Q: I have just moved into a house with vastly overgrown beds. The problem is, there are some wonderful bushes and flowering plants, amongst the profusion of alligator grass. What is a quick way to to save the good plants, and clean the beds of the over growth of alligator grass? I am physically disabled, with a limited income.. Thank you for your answer.
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A: I don't have a magic wand for you. I would contact a local master gardener group and see if you can enlist some volunteers to help you. They often need volunteer hours, The best way to get rid of that stand of grass is to dig out the perennials, clean out the weeds from the clusters. Put them in a holding bed. Treat the grass left behind with Roundup and replant when the label recommends. This is a broad spectrum herbicide that will kill anything green it touches, so it must be used with great care. You can paint blades that are close to shrubs. Shrubs should be masked off. I am not familiar with this plant and it is not listed under the common name Alligator grass. I would also ask a professional for advice. Good Luck, Nancy
