This spring I have worked on the annual "get rid of the invasive plants in my yard." There seems to be less garlic mustard, but the bush honeysuckle is getting worse even though I chop it down three times during the summer.

I need help. I am not a fan of herbicides but there is a point when you have to be as aggressive as the invasive plants. After all, they have all the biological advantages that enable them to multiple at an alarming pace. I am going to ask for some advice at the Allen County branch of the Purdue Extension Service in Fort Wayne. I would like to find something to spot treat the bush honeysuckle and actually see it disappear.

I am also trying to get rid of Norway Maple seedlings. One Norway Maple seedling has avoided my attention for a few years and seems to be doing rather well along the river bank. I have lost two huge elm trees in the past few years near this maple. Should I let it grow since it helps fill a void or chop it down and hope other native saplings grow?

While covering Acres' Garlic Mustard Pull and Pesto Cook-Off at Bicentennial Woods, I learned a couple of interesting facts from Ellsworth Smith. Garlic mustard plants send poison into the ground that kills other plants; their seeds tend survive the compost pile.