Wood Sorrel ?

Ive been pulling this up where its been appearing in the border thinking its some sort of sorrel :

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But Ive come home from work to find its got the nicest purple flowers!

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What is it ? Im going to stop pulling it up 'cos its soooo pretty - is that a good idea ?

 

Its an Aquiligia - Terrific plant and a true perennial.
This year they have been growing very tall. You can replant your seedlings in areas that you prefer. Many people would be grateful for any you make available.
There are many different colour and blooms. Just check this site for examples.

 

It's Aquilega Nick.

 

ooh - thanks ! I wonder where thats come from .. shall attempt to look after it, or atleast stop pulling it out & dumping it on the compost heap !

 

I don't want any thanks, to me it's a weed!

 

Nothing that pretty can be a weed :-)

Mind you - I've got bamboo invading from next door that I cant bring myself to killl off despite it sending suckers up all over the lawn, a pink geranium thats slowly taking over & I only pull the nettles up when they start getting in the way. I must be a soft touch.

 

The Pink Geranium is nice in it's place but is invasive. If you wanted more, just put a spade through the centre and you have 2 etc.
I have a few around the garden and keep them in cotrol by chopping around them in the Spring to the size I can live with.
The same goes for the old fashioned Blue Geranium.
To get a second flush of flowers just give it a severe haircut with shears when it finished flowering and it will reflower later in the year.