Pond - Ask Extension
Hello. I'm a homeowner in West St Paul and my backyard backs up to a pond. I've spent hours pulling thistle (I believe Canadian thistle) and other ...
Knowledgebase
Pond #877295
Asked July 15, 2024, 12:52 PM EDT
Hello. I'm a homeowner in West St Paul and my backyard backs up to a pond. I've spent hours pulling thistle (I believe Canadian thistle) and other weeds over the past few weeks, at the edge of the pond. I'd like to plant native plants that would likely do well in that area and hopefully decrease the weeds over time. My goal is and area that is ecofriendly for pollinators and requires low maintenance. Would you please take a look at the photo attached and advise as to whether I'm on the right track, what plants you'd recommend, or where to go to see a list of plants that might work. The area gets 6+ hours of sun per day and is shady after 3-4 pm. thank you!
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Yes, you are on the right track. What you ahve done so far looks good, especially the hosta edging. This web page deals with landscaping in general but has a data base where you can select plants by specifications.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/landscape-design
These web pages deal specifically with shoreline planting.
https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/programs/LakeShoreTraining/13.0_native_plants_and_the_trajectory_of_restoration/gwq014_shoreland_plants_and_landscaping.PDF
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alterations_lakescaping.pdf
https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/landscape-design
These web pages deal specifically with shoreline planting.
https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/programs/LakeShoreTraining/13.0_native_plants_and_the_trajectory_of_restoration/gwq014_shoreland_plants_and_landscaping.PDF
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/waters/shoreline_alterations_lakescaping.pdf
Thank you!
One follow up question: The thistle I've pulled are lying in piles, drying, and I need to move them now. Can I put them all in my pond compost pile, or do I need to do something different with the ones that have gone to seed? Certainly don't want viable seeds left down there to seed new thistle plants. Thank you!
Yes if your compost pile reaches 150 degrees or more. The seeds are likely to sprout if they are not heated past viability. Composting the rest of the plant should work.
More thistle information
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/canada-thistle
https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2023/04/a-war-of-attrition-canada-thistle.html
https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/composting-home-gardens
More thistle information
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/canada-thistle
https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2023/04/a-war-of-attrition-canada-thistle.html
https://extension.umn.edu/managing-soil-and-nutrients/composting-home-gardens
