How to get grass out of my shrubs?

[Midnight Reiter Too]

I have some little golden vicary that are about a foot high. The grass has overtaken them! What should I do?

[JaneG]

Grrrrr!! I hate grass that invades my good plants!

I found a spray that kills grass but doesn't kill ornamentals and flowers. I have used it in many of my beds successfully, including in and around the base of shrubs. I've never had it damage a desirable plant yet.

I don't remember the exact name or brand and I'm at work so I can't go look. It's with all the other weed killers and chemicals at the store. Sure beats trying to pull it by hand!

Good Luck!

[kHT]

Let's also add you can use a paint brush for those areas you are afraid to use, just make sure you do this a couple times to get all the grass.

[Midnight Reiter Too]

Thanks. I'm afraid of chemicals, but otherwise I might damage the roots of the shrubs. I just didn't know how others take care of this problem. Those poor little shrubs need to get their sunshine.

[Linda P]

I have used Ornamec in the past, but can't seem to find it. Last year, I went looking at all the garden centers and box stores and couldn't find this type of spray anywhere. The active ingredient is Fluzapop-P-butyl. This year I ordered some Fertilome Over the Top grass killer. It's safe to use on any broadleaf plants, specifically recommended for use in new or established flower and shrub beds. It comes with a large list of plants and the method for use with each.
I'm not big on chemicals, either, but there are times that I have to resort to them. This year, I'm going after the grass in the beds! If it was just the lawn grass I woudn't be so worried, but I have nasty quack grass and ribbon grass and goose grass invading the beds. It needs a serious reduction!
Do wear gloves and eye protection when you use it. They recommend a rubber apron, which I haven't used, but I do put my clothes into the washer as soon as I'm done spraying, and hop into the shower.
Linda P

[Gardentoad]

I would just water the area well and pull it up by hand a couple hours later.
I don't always get it all done the same day in large areas.

[Midnight Reiter Too]

I would just water the area well and pull it up by hand a couple hours later.
I don't always get it all done the same day in large areas.

That's too hard for me! And especially so this year because I had knee surgery.

[thy]

If you sit down on your bud,,, pulling your self bit for bit..you will be amazed how much you can see and do.

Had 16 weeks from mid April - with no presure at all to my knee, so know what you are dealing with

Still gardentoad is giving you a good advise... water it and pull it out.....put your small tools in a box and drag it with you with a line

Good luck with the knee

[Midnight Reiter Too]

If you sit down on your bud,,, pulling your self bit for bit..you will be amazed how much you can see and do.

You're right! I can get down on my butt, then when I want to get back up, I sometimes yell for help.

Good luck with the knee

Thanks! I hope your knee is okay.

[thy]

Knee is fine now

I looked like an elphant in a crystal shop, trying to get up at my own

Or get someone to just dig it up.. plant and grass and when you sit there enjoying the grass ..split it to pieces and replant the plants

When you are experienced... please come here... my knee problem was 5 years ago..and grass is invading again

Alternative..get all of it up and out..find a new plant to the spot
I wish I havew been harder to anything who could self seed..weed or plants..it's all weed if not the right place