I just came across a gorgeous word: Patulous. It means, (1) open or expanded, or (2) spreading out from a center as in the branches of a tree. And I am reminded of this tree-like thing in front of our house that was fine, kinda lovely, but nothing special. But it grew. And it looked like it was growing out from the strip of garden, and then down toward the door of the house. When Greer investigated further while beginning her weeding project, it turns out it spawned new shoots that grew up and out, overtaking half of the garden and out into the driveway.
It was as if it were dividing itself and in stead of growing up into a sturdy tree, it spread out overtaking, choking the life out of the other ground plants, and incidentally, giving refuge to a growing colony of earwigs!
At any rate, Greer pulled out about 80% of the invasion, but appreciated the lovely golden-green leaves, so is now just keeping the original stalk at bay.
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