I have a plague

tagwex · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 9:38 am Post subject: I have a plague

This is so annoying. Have spent weeks getting the veg plot ready, weed free and sowing when this happens. Hoping that I wouldn't have to do any weeding for a while when last Thursday it began to 'snow', millions nay billions of what I suspect are dandelion seeds invaded the place. It was so thick that you would swear that it was snowing. It continued through to Saturday and then Sunday/Monday it rained and they couldn't be seen anymore. Yesterday it starts again and what you see in the photos is from yesterday only. If you look closely you will see the specks in the air. Is it dandelion seeds anyone? Or what other triffid can I expect in a couple of weeks?

michelle M · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 11:08 am Post subject:

Amazing. i pity you if its all dandelions. is wexford prone to infestations or something? Laughing

We were in wexford for few days last summer and it was infested with ladybirds- never want to see them again after it.

tagwex · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 11:36 am Post subject:

Well I have never seen anything so prolific, 5 days of constant seed dispersal. Just how many dandelions, if that is what they are, can be in a farmers field, it must have been really untended to or else the conditions were just perfect for that plant. Yes to the ladybirds too, had them here in their thousands too but at least they weren't doing any harm.
The only thing Wexford is infested with is people (Dulchies) from a county north of us who come here in their droves. Apologies to Sive and Geranimojess but I know which of those two I would rather have as a neighbour!!!!!

kindredspirit · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 3:09 pm Post subject:

You're doomed Tagwex. Doomed, I tell you. Very Happy

tagwex · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 3:13 pm Post subject:

Yes Private Fraser!

kindredspirit · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 3:52 pm Post subject:

Get an industrial flame thrower and nuke the seeds. You'd enjoy that. Smile

(Nuke a few bats while you're about it.) Smile

tagwex · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 4:02 pm Post subject:

What about blog writing Dubs in the NW?

Good guy · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 10:42 pm Post subject:

Seriously, one of those flamethrower yokes, like a blow lamp on a walking stick, would see off the seeds or the newly germinated weeds. I find mine invaluable for killing of small stuff without disturbing the ground.
The more sadistic among you might enjoy employing one against slugs.......would it make snails explode?
Excuse me while I go outside for a moment.............

tagwex · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 10:51 pm Post subject:

It's a great idea.
Have made enquiries already to a guy I know who does felt roofing. I am certain that I would have come up with that idea eventually! !!!
Thanks KS.

My Potatoes · Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 6:59 pm Post subject:

Is it definitely dandelion? I'm seeing the parachute alright, but not the thread or the seed.

tagwex · Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 10:03 pm Post subject:

I don't know. I was hoping someone would tell me. Thistle maybe.

Margo · Posted: Sat May 24, 2014 9:13 am Post subject:

Funnily enough we was driving over to Galway Wednesday and we both remarked how many dandelions there were and also Daisies. The fields were white.

Silver surfer · Posted: Sun May 25, 2014 1:21 pm Post subject:

Mild winter, good spring...look up at the trees in the area..

Never known the beech or conifers to drop so much pollen or dead flower heads.
Cars grey with pollen dust.
Drive ways are covered with dead male beech flowers.....see earlier teaser!

If it were dandelion you would see seed attached to parachute. Have a closer look.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=dandelion+seeds&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Fe6BU_LIKsrI0QWgpYHwAg&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=967

Check for Populus... a Poplar tree????

http://breakingchainstakinglanes.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/p6180993a.jpg

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fluff+from+poplar+flowers&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=0-6BU9mFJOiw0AXr8YGQCw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=967

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=POPULUS+ALBA&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Ue-BU_XiDKeb1AXH_YCYBQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=967#q=POPULUS+fluff&tbm=isch

Pretty sure you have nothing to worry about.

...

Greengage · Posted: Sun May 25, 2014 5:12 pm Post subject:

relax its not Dandelion, I would suggest you take a look around the site and suspect it is Willow maybe Salix nigra.

tagwex · Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 12:05 am Post subject:

I think that both of you might be onto something with the willow and poplar. There is an abandoned wet and boggy area up the hill from me a bit, it has gone wild and is unused. Someone tried to get planning permission for a few houses in there but were unsuccessful due to failing the percolation tests. There is both of those trees in there. I will go up tomorrow with my dawg and have a look around. Whatever it is it has germinated in little over a week, the plot has a green hue off of it now.