Dottie Riley

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dragonflyby
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Dottie Riley
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Brandon, FL
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01/19
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Design

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Brush Strokes

Home & Garden > Itch Weed Season
 

Itch Weed Season

I don't like the cold which is why I moved to Florida, but Florida winters have their own down sides, one of the worst of which is the dreaded itchweed. You guys may know it as the stinging nettle. I was out there this morning in my leather gloves picking it out of the areas where my dogs roam. I can't clear it all, but if I can keep it out from under their paws and noses, then I have accomplished some small good. As much as it stings and burns upon contact with the skin, I cannot believe that it does not irritate the dog's paws and noses as well. This will be a routine occupation every few days until spring, when thankfully, it disappears again.

Yesterday, I did some laundry and paid my bills (online). I did some picking up in the kitchen and family room area, and last night, beaded a bracelet and earrings. I made some jewelry to give as Christmas gifts and liked doing it. It is a 'mindless' activity while watching television.

posted on Jan 3, 2011 9:01 AM ()

Comments:

Oh, dear, old itchweed! Thanks for the memory! Here in Pennsylvania, it grows along the banks of the creek of my favorite woods/park. As kids we used touch-me-not (jewelweed) flowers to rub on our legs when we'd brush by it and get those itchy bumps.
comment by drmaus on Jan 8, 2011 9:47 AM ()
Nettles are edible! But I've never tried them (like dandelion greens). I'm proud of your persistence!
comment by solitaire on Jan 5, 2011 6:03 AM ()
I have to wear leather gloves and pray I don't let it touch my wrist or ankles. It is really nasty!
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:17 AM ()
Stinging nettles --i remember them well--walked through a patch when i was in short pants long ago --lesson learnt
comment by kevinhere on Jan 4, 2011 10:44 PM ()
Don't know what they are like further up north, but ours hurt like heck!
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:18 AM ()
God just keeps finding ways to put obstacles in our path, doesn't he?
comment by redimpala on Jan 4, 2011 11:26 AM ()
In this case, my poor dogs. I could stay out of the backyard until spring. They cannot.
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:19 AM ()
I bet your jewelry is fantastic. We have the stinging nettles here.
comment by elderjane on Jan 4, 2011 9:38 AM ()
Actually, I am lazy and do simple bead work. I used to do extensive weaving with seed beads but just don't seem to have the patience any more.
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:21 AM ()
I know this as a 'stinging nettle', very common in the uk (we even get different 'types', they are so blinking common)!!
I think it was Lynniessoufflette who fell into a bush of them, when she was a little girl ()!!
Archaeologist's are able to see a bunch of nettles and know that there were inhabitants at that particular area, because they only grow where people once lived.
It is always best to clear the nettles, before they go to seed - they spead soooo easily.
comment by febreze on Jan 3, 2011 3:56 PM ()
How interesting. I wonder how people living in a certain area causes nettles to be abundant?
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:27 AM ()
I ran into stinging nettle on a Florida golf course once, and than a few holes later, fire ants! I don't want to repeat that experience.

My great niece (age 5) strung a beaded necklace for me. I love wearing it!
comment by marta on Jan 3, 2011 10:23 AM ()
That was an awful golf trip! Ouch!
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:27 AM ()
Itchweed.Never heard of this.
comment by fredo on Jan 3, 2011 9:31 AM ()
Don't know if you have this up in Maine.
reply by dragonflyby on Jan 6, 2011 9:28 AM ()

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