So I finally identified the last weed in the pictures, it's yellow starthistle. Both it and teasel are considered noxious weeds by the state of Oregon, for whatever that is worth. It seems to be a pioneer species, prevalent in disturbed areas (mowed and/or covered with gravel), my question is will it decline with soil improvement, no or little further disturbance, and over seeding with preferred plants. Most of what I've been able to find on the internet references pesticide use, which I obviously don't want to do.
Liv - I do like the teasel and will allow it to remain in some areas, but it gets very large and is blocking some of my
solar panels and are in the way in some of the play areas around the
pond. The plan for the
solar panel area is broadcasting seed in a low-grow pollinator mix. And I haven't figured out how to handle the
pond area.
This past month I have found poison oak popping up. A lot of it is in areas that it doesn't bother me, but some areas aren't great. Again, most of what I have found
online involves pesticides or digging it out, the ground here, at this time of year, is hard as a rock. It would involve an excavator to dig up anything, which would break up the roots, not really what I'm looking for. I've found some info on mowing or cutting off the foliage just to prevent it getting bigger as a temporary solution. Does anyone have any better advice?