Ted Shoemaker wrote:
Hello,

We live in Madison, Wisconsin (zone 4.5, clay soil, shade and acid
from oak trees).
In our back yard is a "garden" which has grown nothing but weeds for a
few years. I don't recognize these weeds, but they are not the usual
wildflowers and dandelions. They are large and ugly. Some of them
have spikes. Some of them are several feet tall.

What do you recommend?
(a) get some kind of limited-target herbicide? If so, which?
(b) get some "kills everything" herbicide? If so, I'd want something
that biodegrades within a reasonable time, so that I can plant
something to grow next year.
(c) get some organic alternative? If so, what? The local squirrels
and rabbits would much rather eat the daffodils and their bulbs than
these weeds.

Thank you very much!

Ted Shoemaker


How large is the area? Do you have grass to kill too, or just weeds?
What do you eventually want to plant there?

BTW, squirrels won't eat daffodils (it's about the only bulb they won't
eat.)

Best regards,
Bob