This somewhat mild afternoon in mid-February, I admire the splendid foliage of a small patch of Italian arum (Arum italicum, below) struggling against a shallow rooted Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) in the shaded side garden. The few sprigs of arum were rescued a year ago from a second small colony on the verge of failure, competing against a vigorous stand of ground orchids (Bletilla striata) and a thin cover of periwinkle (Vinca minor).

Of course, the Italian arum is the scourge of multiple gardens where it runs rampant, but here, I rejoice that it survives. Today, I hope for greater vigor to cover open ground infested by roots that protrude above the soil.

There are similar skirmishes with potential invaders in this garden. A flourishing stand of the generally despised Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias, below) was diminished but finally rescued as it was overwhelmed over several seasons by an innocent, dark-leafed geranium (Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’).

The last remnants of the Cypress spurge were moved to safer territory where it fares slightly better, though still not rampantly. I am pleased that it has spread into gaps at the border of the stone patio beside the koi pond, where it gently braces against seasonal containers. I have no concern it will spread further since it retreated in battle with the friendly geranium (below).

Years ago, a single, yellow leafed mutation of periwinkle was discovered in a larger patch. It was dug and planted beside the stone path that meanders along the stream, and here it has spread to fill its allotted space. And no more, typical of periwinkle that will spread far and wide until confronted by an obstacle. Then, no more effort is expended to spread further.

The yellow leaf fades to its more typical green by summer, but then hostas and Korean waxy bells (Kirengshoma koreana, above) have risen so that the colorful early spring display is no longer required.

No doubt, my blissful ignorance has been rewarded, but all might not be so fortunate. Though the examples are few, I’ve chopped out an aggressive thug or two. The key is to catch the culprit early if the aggressor fails to heed signs to stop.