Removing a Caribbean Agave

 Unfortunately, the time has come to remove another spent Agave with wickedly sharp terminal spines. This time it's Agave angustifolia (aka the Caribbean Agave) which has bloomed and produced a minefield of aggressive offsets. The spines on this plant fall into the long, needle-sharp, eye-poker category, so my first step - mainly to ameliorate my fear - was to cut off all the tips with my wife's good sewing scissors. No, I'm only joking - I used an old pair of scissors.

Sawing through leaves was quick

 

Several loads like this filled up the compost bin

It's end of Summer, beginning of Fall and generally time for me to put some time into cleaning up the backyard. Lots of weeds, old veggies and old flowers also need to be removed.  

 

All leaves removed.

Luckily the compost bin is full and that's a valid excuse to stop work until next weekend when I'll remove the pineapple-like remains. 

In the background is an Aloe thraskii that I cleaned up as well - it's suffering from aphids at the moment but still looks better than usual because of the extra watering it received from a nearby veggie garden. I estimate it is about 7ft tall currently.

My opinion on Agave angustifolia has changed over the last many years since planting. It's a beautiful plant but best used singly in large spaces (bigger than our backyard), preferably placed well away from any other plants, with 360 degree access for maintenance and most importantly placed well away from anywhere frequented by people.

Apologies for not posting much anymore but I've been trying to give 100% to the nursery effort. My own yard has been sadly neglected for a few years but I'm going to put in time every weekend to clean up and de-clutter - at least that's the plan.

 

The Next Weekend

Step 1 - cut off the top (most fun part)

 

Step 2 - Dig out the Agave (least fun part)

 

Step 3 - Admire handi-work and contemplate taking out the offsets

 

Step 4 - Clean up (most satisfying part)

 There are more plants to remove but not today - it's too hot.

 

Just for Fun

Same space used as an informal veggie and flower garden

 The above picture was taken during the Summer of the previous year. This stretch of yard was used as a lawn for several years when the kids were young. In fact it was this space that prompted me to start a garden blog that would record changes made by us through the seasons. I didn't think anyone would ever bother to read the blog - it was just for fun :)