Should we embrace weeds?

Should we embrace weeds?

Why do we always aim to get rid of weeds? What makes a plant a weed? Can we appreciate the beauty of weeds? What are some common UK weeds? This blog post aims to quickly establish our association with weeds as Landscape Architects and how we might be able to move forward and explore further options that might go against traditional attitudes. 

If we look at these examples, many gardeners will shudder at the thought of them invading their manicured spaces, however just because of their competitive nature, should these plants be shunned entirely? They also can have benefits to wildlife, attracting pollinators and insects which help to sustain the wider ecosystem. We should admire their resilience and adaptability to survive in demanding conditions where other plants might fail, these so-called 'weeds' do have a place within our design planting palettes as long as we take care to understand their influence. 

Featured below are some common UK weeds according to the RHS:

Pentaglottis sempervirens












Geum urbanum












Calystegia sepium










Aegopodium podagraria










Oxalis corniculata










Ficaria verna subsp. verna









Circaea lutetiana












Geranium robertianum












Ranunculus repens










Urtica dioica












Cirsium arvense










Chamaenerion angustifolium









Stellaria media










Equisetum arvense













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