I give up – the Virginia creeper has won the battle. Several years ago, we took out all the grass in our front yard and planted a garden of drought tolerant understory trees, shrubs and perennials. I thought I had pulled up all of the Virginia creeper so that the more “preferable” perennials could take its place. In one corner, I planted a flat of 4″ lyre leaf sage. Three years later about a third of the yard was Virginia creeper and lyre leaf sage. This was not my plan! Through the years, I have managed to control the sage, but nothing I did could keep the creeper in check.

A couple of weeks ago I took some time to contemplate this year’s plan of attack. As I stood by the curb, I was suddenly struck by how lovely the blue blooms of the few remaining lyre leaf sage looked standing tall through the bright green lush growth of Virginia creeper. I loved it! Some Texas Gold columbines have reseeded themselves in the same area. They too look so pretty.  I have a great stand of cedar sage in my back yard. I am going to transplant them to the front. Their red blooms, too, will look great through the creeper. I cannot believe I am saying this – but I am also going to plant some more lyre leaf sage. I can hardly wait until next spring!