Dear Gardeners,

I need help to try to get rid of coleus' that are trying to take over my shade garden. I bought them in 2004 in the Rogue Valley of Oregon. I thought they were suppose to be annuals! I originally planted them in one small place 2 to 3 feet square. Now they are embedded in my moss, my ferns, my rocks, moving into the bleeding hearts, columbines, under the maple. I have tried unsuccessfully for six years after they were planted the first season to get rid of them. I have not used chemicals because the root system is so far reaching and I am afraid the chemicals may take out much of of shade garden.

Digging them out doesn't seem to work. Is there a safe way or organic way to irradicate them? I paid someone to try to dig the roots out today and they were only able to get 1.5 foot square in one hour (now they have extended into 1/4 of my garden). At this rate I'd be broke and probably would still have the problem.

I would be open to chemicals if that's the only thing that will work and if it won't hurt the rest of the garden. Any help with answers or products or means to get rid of these coleus' would be appreciated. I will be cutting a number of them out tomorrow to take to the local Grange to show them and to see if they can help.

What would you do to protect your shade garden, yet to get rid of these once and for all? Thanks!