Our first weeding event primarily focused on the center boxes in which students planted pollinators and vegetables. At the time, we thought that was a large amount of weeding, but that was nothing compared to what was in store for us.
To avoid the forecasted 100 plus degree heat, we decided to move the event time to 8:30am. Eight hardy and bright-eyed volunteers showed up ready to work. However, once we unlocked the door, we realized that the project would be much more than we planned. Not only were there invasives in the perimeter boxes but also a significant amount in the previously cleaned center beds!!
The plants to be removed in the perimeter boxes were dense and tall. Since this was our first summer, we assumed there would be invasives. But we never expected this much. Luckily with the seasoned team we had we dove into the task in front of us.
We also found additional setbacks. Due to water restrictions the building manager turned the irrigation system off and we lost some plants in the perimeter bed. Button Bushes died Beauty Berry bushes, the Mountain Mint show some signs of life (fingers crossed). In the center beds the drought damage was minor. We also found some fire ants (again!). Finally, because seeds don’t grow well in ground cover, most of our native seeds never germinated. Thank goodness for partridge pea because we found several among the heavy grass. They seem to grow anywhere!
In two hours, the team removed all the unwanted plants in the center beds and most of the perimeter beds, except for four beds with ants. The weeds we removed filled 8 large yard paper bags! Our team member Deborah H volunteered to put them all in her truck to take to a nearby city waste site. Thank you, Deborah!!
To avoid future water problems, we learned how to set the timer for the irrigation for the perimeter boxes. The devise was programed to work within water restrictions set by the City of Raleigh. For the middle beds we bought a more efficient water sprinkler. Regarding the insect problem, we will use an organic exterminating product agreed to by the school. Two volunteers will be returning 7/10/26 to check on the irrigation/sprinkler system as well as to apply the fire ant removal product.
When finished, we were all hot and sweaty, so we went to the nearby Transfer Company Food Hall and ate some well-deserved ice cream!!
Check the schedule for our next invasive removal event!
