Weeds. Just the sound of that word makes gardeners the world over roll their eyes and cringe. What they are not realizing, however, is that far from being the bothersome pests they are made out to be, these hard working plants are loaded with benefits. Like what? Well, like being indicators of soil conditions for one. Did you know that nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) will only grow in wet sites? So, if you see it growing , as I did recently in an irrigated container planting, you might get the clue that your container isn’t draining.
It’s true. Plus that little plant is actually cultivated in some parts of the world for its nutritious rhizome. “Tigernuts” aren’t some culty, hunting-club, macho super food. They are the humble roots of a “weed”. There are a thousand more examples.
Here in California, we have a thing with “Sourgrass” or “Bermuda Buttercup” (Oxalis pes caprae). In the winter it’s everywhere. I mean literally on every available surface – or so it would seem. It’s the backyard “weed” that no one seems to be able to conquer. So why conquer it? Why not enjoy it’s benefits. There are certainly less attractive plants in the world. After all, it was introduced into the nursery trade as an ornamental. It offers cover and stability on disturbed sites and prevents erosion. Heck when lemons are scarce and oxalis is abundant, you can even make lemonade from it. Here’s how:
BACKYARD LEMONADE
2 qts Oxalis – pull it right out of the garden, discard the roots and tubers (carefully). Just use the stems, flowers and leaves.
1 cup local honey
Abundant spring water (I’ll use about a gallon for 2 qts of plant material)
Options: Add Dock (Rumex crispus, lemons)
In a large kettle, cover oxalis with water and boil for 15 – 20 minutes. Remove from heat, carefully pull out some of the cooked greens and pour hot liquid through a fine strainer. Stir in honey and let it dissolve in the strained lemonade. Delicious hot or cold.
Gardens with Benefits 