We have about 300 square feet of what was formerly about 95% Bermuda grass and 5% weeds. Through our neglect and indifference, it has turned into what you see in these photos. I can't identify it all but I recognize dandelions, clover and wild carrot? The Bermuda is in there too, lurking like an angst-filled middles schooler at a dance.
We have a small dog who uses the space for dog things; mostly pooping and sniffing. Not sure what else he does out there — it seems rude to ask.
How can we turn it into something that is a) safe for the dog b) needs minimal water and upkeep c) looks less like a haphazard collection of crap that has blown in from the alley.
We would prefer not to use herbicide to kill anything. The absolute least labor intensive the better. We don't really care if the Bermuda wants to hang out we just don't want it getting into the liquor cabinet.
by side_eye_prodigy
3 Comments
Edit to add: we are in the desert southwest US.
Edit again: to be clear, we are not 100% against using herbicide if that’s the best option. we’d just like to make sure it’s safe for the dog!
I would just water deeply occasionally, look for toxic and spiny plants, and mow it often enough to make finding the dog bombs easy. This is not a golf course.
I see “cheeseweed” (the hollyhock like leaves) which is edible but don’t recognize the other plants. The “carrot” foliage might be filaree or globe chamomile.
The nasty weeds to watch out for are bullheads (puncture vine) because of the spiny seeds. bur clover (likewise has spiny seeds), “Silver Nightshade” (long, silvery wavy leaves, spiny stems and TOXIC berries).
[https://www.snydersweedcontrol.com/weed-n-plant-id](https://www.snydersweedcontrol.com/weed-n-plant-id)
Oooohhh I’m in the exact same situation, also Zone 10a. We also got lots of weed but nothing that appears toxic for our dog or cats. Actually many of our weeds are edible so I sometimes harvest them as needed lol. Especially mallow and dandelion.
I just started throwing in some native wildflowers in the dead patches but it’s having a hard time to break through the existing lawn. I wonder if I can grow a somewhat eco friendly and water saving meadow without having to remove the entire lawn.