Everything looks very pretty! I don’t think things are looking shaggy at all!
Morning Glories. So BEAUTIFUL, but they are related to Bindweed, so while it takes some effort, here’s some help:
“Vigilance and persistence are the two most useful weapons in your arsenal against bindweed. Watch for signs of this vine, and remove it as quickly as possible.2 The best way to get rid of bindweed is to cut it off at soil level. Don’t bother pulling it up; it will just sprout wherever you tore the roots—and it is virtually impossible to get all the roots out. By continually cutting it off at ground level, and doing it as soon as you possibly can, you will eventually starve the plant (since it will be unable to photosynthesize), and it will die. Be patient! You may have to do this many times, but it will eventually do the trick.”
https://www.thespruce.com/controlling-and-preventing-bindweed-2540090
I have some bindweed that needs cutting in my front landscaping. Now that all the scaffolding is down from the house-painting project, I can get at it. It has wrapped itself around one of my Karl Foerster grasses and has pretty much brought that stately grass down to the ground. Evil stuff!
Thanks for the advice.
I planted a beautiful snail flower vine years ago that did the same thing - had no idea that it was invasive. Took a lot of effort to get rid of it but I finally did. Honeysuckle can do the same thing.
I also have English ivy that was planted long before I got here, it was very popular in landscaping in the 60’s - it is near impossible to get rid of and it still sprouts up.
Vigilance is the key here.
Thank you for the informational piece on getting rid of bindweed. I’ve been dealing with it for years ineffectively, as it keeps coming back and spreading, too. Her advice makes sense.