That advice depends entirely on which plant you’re talking about—because some “mystery garden plants” are either very beneficial or very invasive.
A few common cases people usually mean:
- Wild violets: often kept because they’re edible, support pollinators, and form a nice ground cover.
- Dandelions: disliked by many, but actually edible and important early food for bees.
- Clover: improves soil by fixing nitrogen, so it can reduce the need for fertilizer.
- Mint (wild or escaped): useful herb, but can take over a garden quickly if unmanaged.
- Milkweed: crucial for monarch butterflies, so it’s often intentionally preserved.
On the other hand, some plants that look harmless are actually aggressive weeds and should be controlled before they spread.
If you want a precise answer, tell me what it looks like (leaf shape, flower color, or even upload a photo). I can help you identify whether it’s a keeper or something you should remove.