By Joan Neiman-Agapas, Master Gardener, SCMG
According to COD (Canadian Oxford Dictionary) the definition of ‘invasive’ is as follows: ‘tending to spread, tending to encroach on privacy, rights etc to others’
So, when talking about ‘invasive plants’, it refers to those individuals that aggressively move beyond their allotted space, hogging light, moisture & nutrients from their more mild-mannered neighbours. Commonly referred to as ‘thugs’, because this is how they behave. And sadly, create more work for the busy gardener who then has to control, corral or remove the excess.
Much is written about non-native, invasive species. Some were silent hitchhikers & arrived by stealth. Others were deliberately introduced as horticultural ornamentals. Regardless of how they arrived, they have over stayed their welcome by out competing plants indigenous to locales. More worrisome, because they haven’t developed any ecological relationships between themselves & local insects & pollinators, they contribute little to the procreation & regeneration of these populations.
So, how can you help?
The Ontario Invasive Plant Council website is a goldmine of information on alternative plants to relpace the garden thugs commonly seen.
But, can these alternative plants be easily purchased at the local Big Box store or garden centre? Very rarely. One still sees rows of Goutweed, Ivy & Periwinkle for sale. WHY? Because these companies can. It is profitable.
This is where consumers must demand better native choices from these companies. If they can’t profit from the selling of the same old/same old, they will slowly begin to supply plants consumers demand.
But – consumers have to ASK for these plants.
Our job as Master Gardeners is to educate the gardening public to request native, non-invasive plants for their spaces. That is the only way the situation will change – for the better. Natives are beautiful, thrifty & frugal with water & fertilizer & best of all help pollinator populations to thrive. That’s a win-win-win for everyone.
For more information, check out the following website:
