Know What You Grow

It's that time of year. We are out in our gardens enjoying the sunshine (when it is here), exploring the local garden centers, and planting some new and interesting species to make our garden more attractive. But do you know what you grow?

Invasive non-native plant species are introduced into Canada without the natural predators that keep them under control in their countries of origin. These plants, like knapweed and toadflax, can quickly take over native habitats, choking out native plants, degrading wildlife habitat, and reducing biodiversity. As well, these species can affect our local agriculture by reducing crop quality and yield, reducing forage availability, and increasing soil erosion.

Some of the invasive non-native plant species that are causing problems in the Central Kootenay were brought in (and continue to be sold or transplanted) as garden ornamentals. Because these plants are very beautiful and easy to grow, they are popular garden choices. However, these plants can "jump the garden fence" and spread into our native ecosystems and once established, they are extremely difficult to control. Some garden ornamentals that are invasive in the West Kootenay include Japanese and giant knotweed, Scotch broom, blueweed, yellow flag iris, policeman's helmet, and purple loosestrife.

Unfortunately, there is little legislation in place to prevent these plants from being sold, even if they are recognized as creating problems. Instead, many gardeners, landscape architects, and nursery professionals are adopting "Voluntary Codes of Conduct" to do their part to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
What can you do? Learn to recognize and identify invasive plants to prevent spreading or transplanting them. Adopt the voluntary codes of conduct as a gardener or in your club or association. Request your local garden centre to stop selling invasive plants and provide alternative species instead. Remove or control any invasive species on your property and be careful of disposing of invasive plant material - do not dump garden waste in natural areas. Dispose of seeds and other reproductive parts by burning or bagging and taking to the dump.
For a list of invasive species in the Central Kootenay, as well as alternative garden species to plant and voluntary codes of conduct, see "For Gardeners" on our website.

Added on June 1st, 2008 - Return to Special Features