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Seaglass_and_stitchesSeaglass_and_stitches Posts: 9
in Problem solving
Hello all, I'm wondering if someone can identify a wildflower that has cropped up in place of last year's borage plants, an let me know if it's a friend or foe. I'm stumped! It appears to have yellow flowers coming.
Thank you everyone!
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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    edited May 2022
    foxglove.
    If you lift up the lowest leaves and it's pale green, it's more likely to have white flowers. if there's a hint of purple to it, it'll be pink flowers
    Devon.
  • Seaglass_and_stitchesSeaglass_and_stitches Posts: 9
    Fantastic, thank you for getting back! Should I be lifting them up then as I've got a toddler and I do not trust her not to stick her head in it or something. They're quite healthy specimens!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    leave them be, I'm sure you've taught your toddler never to eat anything in the garden. 
    Devon.
  • Seaglass_and_stitchesSeaglass_and_stitches Posts: 9
    We're getting there! The garden hose is far too interesting at the moment, so that should provide a happy distraction. I know bees love them so if I can help it, I'd rather leave them. Thank you!
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    enjoy. 
    Devon.
  • BiljeBilje Posts: 811
    Once they flower and are pollinated they produce thousands of seeds. So deadhead most of the flowering part and just leave a few seed pods on to ripen if you want self seeders. The baby plants are easy to weed out or transplant. 
  • Seaglass_and_stitchesSeaglass_and_stitches Posts: 9
    Great advice. I'm just wondering how they got here, I can't think of any neighbours that have foxgloves! Nature, eh  :)
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    could be a " gift " from a bird?
    Devon.
  • Seaglass_and_stitchesSeaglass_and_stitches Posts: 9
    Received gratefully! I'm going to miss my borage though, it was a beauty last year and was totally expecting a repeat performance.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    borage and foxglove seedlings look very similar. You might well have both 
    Devon.
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