Garlic mustard is an invasive plant, and it is best to root it out. In its defense, in early spring it puts forth a cluster of delicate blossoms, and its edible leaves can be crushed into pesto.
Similarly, the multi-flora rose is a murderous siren as the vine entwines trees and shrubs in a choking embrace. But it emits a perfume so heavenly that I still my pen, sit back, close my eyes, and breathe deep.
For a few moments, I remain so, enjoying quiet interrupted only by the chatter of a chipping sparrow and the distant chirp of a robin. That peace is short-lived, however, for we humans are an invasive species ourselves, and once the growing season begins, we are loud…