Weeds

by Jane Andreoli

Woundwort, speedwell, stitchwort, and spurge.

Creeping Jenny, cowslip, willowherb, and vetch.

Tansy, saxifrage, meadowsweet, and bittersweet.

Harebell, sheep’s bit, henbane, goat’s beard.

Viper’s Bugloss and Mouse-ear Hawkweed.

They were easier to kill

When they were just weeds.

But now they have names.

Inspiration: I was thinking that once you know the name of something, it’s not a thing any more. It has status and history and personality. So, there are no weeds. There are wonderful native wildflowers, some with quirky names, all with histories, many with medicinal properties, and every single one with a place in the cycle of life around us. When we realise that, we no longer want to reach for the weedkiller!

Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

Jane Andreoli loves the natural world, and spends a lot of time outdoors, watching things grow. Being retired, she has time to connect with what’s happening in her garden, and this is a major inspiration for her writing.