Do your part in the garden. Spring is just around the corner and gardeners are gearing up. Are you part of the solution this season? Here are some things you can do to help stop the spread of invasive species.
Select non-invasive plants
Use the Grow Me Instead booklet to help you choose only non-invasive plants.
Select the right plant for the right place
Be suspicious of exotic plants, bulbs and seeds promoted as 'fast spreaders,” “vigorous self-seeders” and/or “drought resistant.” Invasive plants often have the very characteristics we seek the most in plants.
Be aware of ALERT species
These plants are either present in BC in very small numbers or have not yet made it into BC. Refer to the “Alert” Species list or to our new Priority Invasive Plant List
Check reliable resources
Before choosing a plant to grow, check to see if it's invasive on the ISCBC website, Great Plant Picks, the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, or contact us directly: info@ekisc.com.
Use wildflower seed mixes with caution
Importing seeds individually and in mixtures is one of the primary pathways of introduction of invasive plants to BC, and a critical pathway to target for prevention. When selecting seed mixtures (bird seed, wildflower mixes, ornamentals, re-vegetation mixes), always make sure the seed mix clearly lists the ingredients, as many contain invasive plants. Or, consider creating your own seed mixes to be sure of the seed ingredients. Resource: Seed Mixture TIPS. EKISC is offering a non-invasive wildflower mix at farmers' markets this year and on our online store!
Invasive plant control
There are many ways to manage and eradicate invasive plants, and it's best to choose a species-appropriate control method since invasive plants are opportunistic and aggressively out-compete other species. Check for any underlying conditions such as bare or compact soil that may lead to spread. Take measures to keep your soils healthy and replace invasive plants with a diverse range of non-invasive alternatives that will attract and increase wildlife biodiversity while balancing out the ecology of your site. Resources: TIPS Factsheets; Guide to Weeds in BC
Disposal of invasive plants
In general, make sure you do not let your invasive plants go to seed. Be sure to first clip off all mature flower and seed heads. Add these and other plant parts to a double black plastic bag. Add bags to your garbage - DO NOT COMPOST and DO NOT BURN.
In the RDEK it's free to dispose of invasive plants.
Report Invasive Species
Refer to EKISC's flow chart on how to report invasive species.
Encourage others to be PlantWise
Reach out to local plant suppliers, landscapers and landscape architects, gardening and stewardship event organizers and clubs, social media and blogs, neighbours, and family and friends - educate them about PlantWise - encourage others to use only non-invasive plants and promote healthy, non-invasive gardens.
Find more information on the gardening section of our website.
