Spring has finally sprung and I’m weeding like a mad woman but the grasses are jumping out of the ground faster than you can say to your veterinarian “How much do I owe you?”. They are quickly heading up (producing their seeds) and I’m freeking out. Know why? The evil triad has arrived in my yard: they are the three types of grasses that constitute what your vet will call “foxtails”, those nasty burrowing spikelets with fish hook hairs that, in the blink of an eye, will pull them into your pet’s nose, ears and paws. The evil triad consists of Hare barley, also known as Wild barley (Hordeum murinum); Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) and Ripgut brome, (Bromus diandrus). The last being, in my opinion, the worst as that was the one that lightened my pocketbook last year when my little 13 pound dachshund got one up his nose and one in each ear. He is not allowed outside the main yard anymore. I can’t afford it.
While there are other grasses that may cause problems to pets, these are the most notorious in these parts. If you own a pet, be on the look out for them! Seek and destroy them in your yard. Both Hordeum spp. pull out fairly easily but the Bromus may need encouragement with a shovel. If your yard is too large for hand pulling, mow, weed eat, or use whatever method to get them before their seed matures. It will make it easier on pocketbook this year and next.
Big Valley plant sale Sunday
Big Valley Hall will be hosting their Plant Sale on Sunday May 7 at 1510 Big Valley Road in Finley. To reserve a space, please contact Pam Ayle at (562) 533-1588 or payle77@gmail.com to sell your plants or accessories.
Spaces outdoor will be $10 per space. Bring your truck and trailer to sell out of the parking lot.
Indoor spaces will be reserved for non-plant sales.
Record-Bee staff reports contributed to this article
