Weed identification and cat repellant!

[MargaretThursday]

We used to have a lot of these weeds in the garden. They are on one shoot up then lots of leaves -a bit like a mini-tree. If they flower then they're greeny, I think, but I try not to let them get to this point.
They're shallow rooting, so at least easy to pull up.
I've spent the last couple of years trying to purge them and thought it had worked earlier in the year. Unfortunately since September they've rethought about it and decided that they are, in fact, making an attempt to be known as triffids.
They grow individually, and in huge bunches. I now have yards of the garden taken over by them and I'm taking 20+ out of the lawn every day.

Any idea what they are and best way to get rid of?

And if anyone has any idea how to stop cats pooing in the garden (at least I think it's them not foxes) as I the last month we've suddenly developed an issue, front and back. I don't mind the cats being there (even if the budgies do disagree with me) but this is a new thing for them.

Thanks,

It's not the clearest photo, but I am going with petty spurge / euphorbia peplus. Just keep pulling the. Out as soon as you see them.

With cats, try not to leave too much bare ground. The only thing that ever worked for us was next door getting a dog, but sadly they moved away.

Yes that's it! Petty spurge. I've just googled and definitely that. It says "These seeds are very persistent" and I'll testify to that.

No dog getting here, much as ds would love one. Unfortunately the budgies attract them, although it's only in the last month or so they seem to want to leave a mark.

for cats if you have bare ground get some holly or berberis or other spiky branches and cover the ground with them. Cats do love a bit of bare earth, and once they crap somewhere they will keep coming back if they can so if you can bear to clear out the soil a bit as well as their crap, and put up a physical barrier, they can be encouraged to move elsewhere (cat owning gardener here). They are especially fond of dry soil so a really good drenching helps.

I also tell our neighbours they are free to use a water gun or other non-harmful method to get rid of our cats.

I only started gardening in April this year and have asked both these questions myself! Only of Google, though, not people.

I think the weed is petty spurge. It hasn't been a big problem in my garden (so far).

I seem to have put my visiting cats off using one border by simply filling the gaps between my new little shrubs with violas (and letting the spurge and creeping woodsorrel grow in places, to be honest. Maybe I'll regret that...). Haven't tried any other deterrents but have considered laying chicken wire or sticking skewers throughout the main patch of front garden, which isn't big but has no lawn and only a couple of bushes since clearing it earlier in the year. Won't be planting anything until spring now, I don't think. It's ideal for cats unfortunately.

Thanks all!

Oh, you've already been answered! It does take me a while to type and post.

I like the look of the petty spurge and have deliberately planted a couple of bigger, more attractive, and non-spreading euphorbias. I don't want triffids though so maybe I'll go out later and pull it all out!

It grows maximum to about 8" I think (rarely let it grow) but it's the amount. I could use it as ground cover for a football pitch by7 self seeding within a couple of years I think.
If you have it in a pot away from anywhere else it might plant (it has exploding seeds) then you're probably fine.

Anyway, if you want some more I have plenty... 😂

So far mine have stayed small and cute and not formed awful great clumps (unlike so many other things in my garden!), but maybe it would be better to remove it.

The euphorbias I bought are called Miner's Merlot and have very differently shaped and coloured foliage to these weeds, but similar yellow-green flowers/bracts so I'm looking forward to seeing them bloom next year.

Just a word of caution - all spurges, including Petty Spurge, have a milky white sap which is incredibly caustic and irritant and if you get any in your eyes, mouth or any other part of your anatomy with delicate muscous membranes you will certainly know about it! Gloves and careful, rigorous hand washing strongly advised!