Did you know that some of the beautiful ornamentals we plant in our gardens are nasty invaders?  If you plant such beautiful plants as Tamarisk, Himalayan Blackberry, Oxeye Daisy, Russian Olive (to name a few) you may be unknowingly planting an invasive plant that is a serious threat to the biodiversity of the East Kootenay.

Horticulture, gardening, ornamentals and seed mixtures (re-vegetation, birdseed and wildflowers) are among the key ways invasive species are introduced. Many of the ornamental species that gardeners unknowingly plant, in their quest for a vibrant garden, are invasive. These invaders escape from domestication and cause significant damage.

Grow Me Instead is becoming the motto of gardeners across the East Kootenay who value the biodiversity of this beautiful landscape. Grow Me Instead is an updated booklet first published with a focus on the Lower Mainland, but now expanded to include the Interior and Northern areas of British Columbia.  It was published by the Invasive Species Council of BC to provide gardeners with information about native alternatives to harmful invasive plants.  Included in the booklet are 27 of B.C.’s most ‘unwanted’ plants in horticulture, as well as, some recommended alternatives.

These unwanted invaders negatively impact wildlife habitat, range lands, forestry and recreation opportunities. Many reduce forage quality and quantity by competing with native seedlings for light, nutrients and water, others can puncture tires and obstruct trails, most increase erosion and sedimentation which reduces water quality and changes water and vegetation distribution. Out of place, these invaders impede the use and aesthetics of the natural landscape.

Want to keep our East Kootenay area bio diverse and in harmony with its ecological heritage?  Take the following actions:

Select non-invasive exotic or native plants to grow

Avoid the use of wildflower seed packages or use with extreme caution as many contain invasive plant seeds

Trade only non-invasive plants and seeds

Encourage gardening clubs and nurseries to promote, display and sell non-invasive plants

Replace invasive plants with non-invasive alternatives

Dispose of invasive plants by bagging and landfill or incineration

Educate others and report sightings of invasive plants to 1-888-WEEDSBC or www.reportaweedbc.ca

Check out the on-line Grow Me Instead guide, with full screen colour photos, at http://www.bcinvasives.ca/resources/outreach-materials .  The Grow Me Instead recommendations were made by a Horticultural Advisory Committee comprised of government and non-profit agricultural, landscape and gardening associations. The alternatives recommended in the guide may be native or exotic provided they do not harbour invasive characteristics. The selected alternative species possess similar characteristics and growing requirements as the invasive plant they replace and are readily available at local retailers.

To receive a full colour Grow Me Instead brochure and other information about invasive plants in the East Kootenay, contact Marty Hafke, coordinator at East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council 1-888-55EKIPC [email protected] EKIPC Education and outreach program proudly sponsored in part by Columbia Basin Trust.

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