Ciliolate Aster

pretty not familiar with that one

Stunning never seen them before either.

I'm just lucky that I have lots of unplanted space that I can allow them to "free range"...lol. They might be considered invasive but I like them much better than grass. If they want to crowd that out, I'm very happy to let them...it takes me ages to cut all the grass.

Yes you are lucky having so much unplanted space I would be the same letting it out grow grass . Perhaps you need more plants that will bring shade over the grass it wont grow as much or die off to cut the grass areas down.

Hi Dawn! these asters and solidago have taken over part of my cleared field. Both are almost finished now so I can take out my trusty weed whacker and cut them down. The grass will grow whether we want it or no! I've been thinking of approaching one of the farmers in the area who has goats and agree to "board" their goats for a month in the fall and again in the spring! That will take care of the tree seedlings (ash) that grow so thickly that they shade out more desireable plants and shrubs around the margin of the forest... I have been fostering a clump or two of hazel and the pretty Cornus rugosa.. along with the young beech trees and maples which were being marginalized by the ash seedlings.

Thats great Lori never heard of a weed waker Yes good idea asking the farmers goat s will soon keep away any unwanted stuff pitty the did nt have sheep for your grass to. Yes Hazels are lovely trees.