OK, “killing” might be a bit strong, but perhaps honeysuckle deserves this kind of language. Honeysuckle is one dastardly invasive!
Why do I love slaying, liquidating, and eliminating honeysuckle so much? Because it gets in the way of all those gorgeous native plants, especially the spring ephemeral flowers.
I have been removing honeysuckle from Kirby Nature Preserve for 10 years, and it is incredibly rewarding. This preserve was once nearly 100% covered with honeysuckle. Now it’s less than 20%. And what happened? Back came the native plants such as bloodroot, trillium, appendaged waterleaf, Virginia bluebells, twinleaf, and more.
I get a lot of satisfaction spending time in the quiet woods, listening to birds, observing salamanders, snakes, insects, arthropods (yes, Jessee!), and enjoying the peace, the solitude, and the exercise.
Of course, I have not done this alone. Many others have helped and made great contributions. Because of them, our preserves are true gems.
To paraphrase Patrick Henry, “Give me honeysuckle, or give me … garlic mustard, winter creeper, or other invasives to slaughter.” I can relate.