Lyn,
Fifteen years ago, I moved into my house and found a 10'x12' shed buried
under a mound of blackberries! I found the only "permanent" way to get rid
of the BBs was to cut them down, and burn or otherwise permanently dispose
of the canes. Note: they'll re-root easily, and I wouldn't recommend
composting unless your pile is real hot. Then dig up the roots. This
will keep them back for a year or so. What I've done is to mow or otherwise
trim back the grasses so I can see if they're coming back. A thrice yearly
mow will keep them tame for years.

Good luck!

skg

"Lyn" wrote in message
om...
Please help a relocated girl from Chicago pick out some perennials for
her new Portland-area flower beds and rock gardens. Huge property,
much shade - some areas get *some* sunlight (a few hours per day).

Also, how do I permanently get rid of blackberries without resorting
to Tritox or some such horrible thing? They just laughed at the
Round-Up.

TIA for any help - I'm on a steep learning curve, and have been
weeding furiously. Any good book recs are also welcome.

-L.
(Loving the trillium all over my back yard...)