Is this a weed?

[chris]

I'm not sure if this is a weed or not, but it's taken over my front garden area, and chipping area across the drive way -it's spreading like wild fire. Looks nice with purple small flowers, red stem and sort of parsley like leafs, but I'm ripping bucket fulls out daily. Any idea what it is?

Thanks

[PAULW]

yes its a weed one of the geranium family poss geranium dissectum

[roitelet]

DON'T LET IT SEED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rip all of it out asap or you will never get rid of it

[Scottishnewbie]

yup, i'll agree with that! i have loads of it and cant get rid

[Jeanied]

Ah, but it is very easy to pull up - and the bees love it. I have some of this in the garden and let it grow till it starts to annoy me - or seed itself.

[chris]

I think it's already too late for that... it probably covers above 5 sq meters :| There was none a few months back!

I've the same with forget-me-nots or whatever they're called - came over from next doors!!!!

Thanks for the replies

[Two_Sheds]

I'm not sure if this is a weed or not, but it's taken over my front garden area,...-it's spreading like wild fire.

Chris, just read back what you've written, and tell me you're still unsure...

[Two_Sheds]

yes its a weed one of the geranium family poss geranium dissectum

It's herb robert, geranium robertianum, isn't it? Dissectum has spikier leaves

[Flummery]

Yep, it's herb robert. Whenyou pull it up the smell will be nasty - but I rather like the stuff. It's another thug though!

[chris]

Chris, just read back what you've written, and tell me you're still unsure...

I've no idea about flowers, so wasn't sure if some species can be invasive or not! It does look nice though..

[chris]

Oh yes forgot to ask.. can I compost it? I've buckets full of it at the mo - just drying out - do I need to drown it?

Can I drown danelions the same way too? (to compost) as some are mixed in with it.

[di]

I often dry weeds before composting but not if they're in flower.
It'll kill the roots but my guess preserve the seed.
I think it's really rather pretty so would probably leave it to do it's thing...save pennies and time trying to get a pretty border.

[Two_Sheds]

I've no idea about flowers, so wasn't sure

What I meant was, anything that grows that rapidly and successfully, is sure to be a weed

can I compost it?

Of course. I get loads of it (hate the smell too) and it goes on the heap

Can I drown danelions ... too?

Dandelions survive for a long time in water: they are best scorched on the path in sunshine before adding to the heap; but don't put on heap if they have seedheads: pull them out before they flower

[chris]

ok great thank you