On Tue, 24 Jul 2007 21:55:10 -0700, Sheldon wrote:

On Jul 24, 6:57?pm, Pennyaline wrote:
Persephone wrote:

I finally got around to dealing with an area, approx 3 ft
circumference, under one of the water faucets,
where the hose lies coiled (when it isn't sprawling over
the lawn g).

I've tried various ground covers, but weeds seem to take over.

So I poured a couple of sacks of pebbles in the area; looks
nice and neat. However, weeds starting to poke through.
I guess I could p.u.another couple of sacks of pebbles...but wondered
whether:

1. Pouring hot water over the pebbles would kill the weeds, but would
it hurt the Princess Plant that grows in the middle of the area.

vs

2. Roundup, same concerns vis-a-vis the Princess Plant.

Your wisdom, please?

Persephone

1. Rake up existing pebbles, put them aside on a tarp.
2. Weed whack the area down to bare ground.
3. Spread landscape/weed suppressing fabric over the bare area and pin
it down.
4. Neatly spread pebbles on top of the fabric.
5. Place edging around the pebbled area to keep them contained (optional).

Not really optional, the critters will have them all strewn about in
no time. I wouldn't use pebbles, no matter how contained the majority
will eventually find their way into the lawn areas where they will
wreak havoc on lawnmower blades. I'd choose some nice large pieces of
pine bark mulch... the large pieces stay put, the small pieces wash
away in heavy rain. Cut small slits in the weed block fabric and
plant a few petunias.

Thanks for a message devoid of anti-Monsanto Jeremiads. Yes, we all
hate them. No, I don't know how far horizonally an application
spreads (germane to whether it would harm Princess Plant roots).

the above sensible suggestions:

weed-suppressing fabric, a few years ago, I and some friends took
a LOT of trouble to spread fabric in a rose path -- big hassle, trim,
cut holes, etc. My gardener warned me the weeds would come back
anyway -- and they did, big time, so I had extra work digging up &
removing the fabric and said never again. I understand there are
supposed to be different thicknesses of that stuff, perhaps some more
effective, but have only seen the ordinary in nursery/homeowner places
around here; don't want to order huge quantity on-line for tiny area.

Lawnmower blades, this area is contained within those curved
pink concrete edgers, so pebbles (2-3") will not escape.

Critters, none except a few possums; this is city.

pine bark mulch, oh, how I wish we'd get SOME rain, heavy,
light, or medium! No danger of "washing away", alas, and I fear
weeds would soon find their way through.

vinegar, interesting thought; I've never used it as a weed
suppressant. Any harm to roots of (very large old) Princess Plant?
Quantity required? Dilute or full strength?

****NOBODY has answered about hot water. I use it routinely to
kill weeds between plates of the concrete patio. Seems the
least toxic and still effective. I just don't know if it would harm
PP's roots.

Hope to hear about vinegar & hot water, and thanks to all for
replies.

Persephone.