Question
Hi Mack,
   I bought the home I am in a few years ago and at this time am ready to get rid of the extensive growth of Periwinkle in my yard...there is alot of it. It has taken over most of the flower beds and is now choking out many great bushes and plants. How is the best way to get rid of this aggressive ground cover, without hurting other plants amongst it? Other areas it is just solid Periwinkle, do I just dig it out or is it necessary to poison it to kill the roots?
                      Thanks, Bruce

Answer
Dear Bruce:

I hope you're up for this challenge, but it can be accomplished.  You just need to do your research and plan your attack.  Grass-B-Gon is likely the best way to handle the larger areas of growth, but read and carefully follow directions on the product label.  In addition, as a homework assignment, I'm sending you off to the Alabama Cooperative Extension's website that has an excellent  reference on managing weeds in landscape plantings.  The website is:

   http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0854/

Good luck and remember, patience is important.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee