Does anyone know how I can get rid of this or put flowers?
by
Cheryl
+6
This is like hard brush around my mailbox and has some big stones underneath also. Is there a way I can make it pretty or get rid of it to put flowers instead? All that's growing is tall grass in between a straw bush. I don't think I can dig it up since it's so hard.
After a big rain soak it some more. Cut it short.
A good garden spading/digging fork will let you get deep enough to disturb the roots one section at a time. Like cutting a cake.
You need just wiggle a bit if you hit the stones, they’ll go between the tines.
Can't tell from the photo is the plant already dead?
Yes -the ground will be hard as that's snow I'm seeing behind the bush. the ground is most likely frozen.This is pampas grass or some sort of grass that may grow tall and maybe have feathery plumes on it. Wait until the spring when the ground is soft. It does no have deep roots and should come out with not much problem. It's hard to find flowers to grow in the winter when this picture was taken.
Most ornamental grasses have a dense root system... and sometimes the best way to get it out is to use something sharp, like an hatchet to chop it into sections... a sharp shovel is also necessary.... after a rain, or several days of SLOW soaking.... cut around the outside of the mass... about 4 inches..... slowly work the shovel down until you are below the root mass... then start dividing it into pie sections... you may have to remove it rocks and all... as the roots may have created a web around the rocks.... it might make it easier to work on the area if you can remove or cut off the mailbox post as close to the ground as possible (put your mail on hold at the Post Office so you don't have to worry about mail delivery while the box is down).. if it gets too tough.... see if there is a teenager in the neighborhood or thru your friends or church... who would like to make some extra money for a few hours work.. Once the mass is gone...add some good soil amendments and put in a new flower bed, decorative rock area (use landscape fabric to prevent weeds) or whatever you might like. A new mailbox and post could really liven up the spot too... check with the PO for correct height and placement.
I use Hostas. Looks pretty and the mailman doesn't have to deal with bee's.
photo is very dark.Kill everything off with white vinegar, water a dab of dish soap and a dab of salt.Dig out any remaining debris, wait a bit and place fresh garden soil for flowers and plant
You can soften the soil by letting a hose slowly drip next to, or in, the plant for a few hours or longer. If it's too muddy to dig, wait until the next day and you will be able to dig as the soil will be softened.
The mailbox post may be in cement and that is what you are hitting when trying to dog it out.
If, indeed, it is pampas grass or something similar, it will have a very hard, matted root system and will not come out easily although the roots will not be very deep - maybe 6 - 8 inches.