Garden Guests

July 16, 2013 Photo of the day: "Garden Guests"

Remember this "weed" that I blogged about in May? It is invading the mulch in my north garden bed. After a Google search, I've learned that the green leaves are Oxalis stricta, the common yellow wood sorrel, or lemon clover. It tends to grow in woodlands and meadows as both perennials and annuals. The browner or burgundy leafed variety is Oxalis corniculata, creeping wood sorrel or Sleeping Beauty.  Some nurseries even sell it for ground cover. Unless they start to crowd out my other plants, these tiny guests are a pleasant addition to perennial garden. Actually, I read that the leaves of wood sorrel are edible with a tangy lemon flavor, and a drink, rich in vitamin C, can be made by infusing the leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes, sweetening and then chilling. Hmmm...I think I'll pass.