Free and safe weed killer
by Barbara Linssen
Editor’s Note: This letter responds to Barbara Strunk’s article in the January-February 2020 newsletter titled, “Gardeners can do their bit to control climate change—even in winter”
The January-February newsletter urged avoidance of herbicides in the garden. An easy, free weed killer many people have never thought of is boiling water. This is perfect for weeds around your steps, walkways, driveway, and other hardscape. In these cases you often can’t pull the roots out, so it keeps coming back, but a hot kettle will likely rid you of that weed forever and no toxics required! I also find that mulching with small gravel (¼-inch minus) makes weeds that come up much easier to pull out.
Barbara Strunk’s reply:
Yes, I agree, regarding both the boiling water and mulching with gravel. I am uncertain if the boiling water will kill deep-rooted weeds, like dandelions, but it will keep the top growth in check. The gravel mulch makes it a bit easier to get the roots out because it is usually looser than soil. I’m glad folks are interested!
Off-leash laments
by Dawn Ham
In early February, near 21st and Alameda, an adult was attacked and bitten twice by a dog whose master was present, but not in control of the dog.
A family with two preschool children were crossing the west side of Wilshire Park when a dog ran up aggressively barking and jumping on them. The owner had unleashed it upon arriving at the park, long before entering the off-leash area. Now she couldn’t catch or control the dog. There were tears, yelling, chaos, and trauma for all.
A gentle six-year-old family dog suddenly, and without seeming provocation, jumped on a child in a different city park. The child’s eye was injured resulting in permanent (though not total) loss in vision. The dog’s master/family was horrified and experienced tremendous guilt and remorse. The dog’s action was totally uncharacteristic and unpredictable. They will always regret not having him leashed.
In the Cully neighborhood, a young boy watched his uncle fall to the ground, writhing in pain as a result of a severe ankle bite from a neighbor’s off-leash dog. The boy had nightmares for weeks. He needs time and support to eventually be able to trust and enjoy dogs again. Right now, even a friendly dog’s approach re-stimulates his trauma.
We never know what others are going through in their lives. We do know that sometimes dogs behave differently than we expect. Civil society has guidelines to help us all live together more harmoniously; these include our leash laws. Please be thoughtful and remember that “off leash” only pertains to the east end of the Wilshire Park. Even your wonderful, friendly, reliable dog needs to be on its leash except when in that area. That’s good for you, your dog, and everyone else!