As spring and summer roll in, weeds seem to pop up out of nowhere, making the most of warm soil and those long, gentle evenings. I’m a big believer that some weeds can have their place – especially in wilder, more relaxed areas of the garden – but it’s perfectly reasonable not to want nettles and docks creeping among your peonies and roses.
I’ve spent more hours than I can count weeding borders over the years, and while it can be oddly satisfying at times, the reality often involves sore knees, a stiff back, and the occasional blister. Anything that lightens that load, even slightly, feels like a win. That’s where plants themselves can step in. Choosing the right varieties – particularly native plants to stop weeds – is a simple, effective way to reduce maintenance while still creating a beautiful, layered garden.
