The famous herbaceous borders of Belfast Botanic Gardens are missing – what has happened?

Every 10 to 15 years all herbaceous borders have to be completely renovated. This is partly because herbaceous plants become too congested but principly because perennial weeds get such a hold that normal hoeing will no longer control them. The main problems here are ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria) and bindweed (Calystegia sepium). All the perennial plants have been removed, cleaned of weed roots, and potted up. They are stored in the works yard and if proved clear of weeds will be replanted. This activity also gives the opportunity for introducing a range of new plants to the borders.

Edinburgh Botanic Gardens for example, carried out the same procedure – here is their explanatory sign