Invasive Free Gardening

Nurseries are brimming with colorful, interesting plants to tempt the gardener. But, not all nursery plants are good for the environment. In fact, 80% of invasive plants got their start in the horticultural trade.

Gardeners can play a big role in the effort to stop the spread of invasives. To do your part, consider taking the following actions:

• Use safe alternatives. Ask yourself what you like about your favorite invasive. Is it the color? The flower? Find a safe, alternative plant that shares these characteristics.

• Remove invasives from your garden - whether they were planted intentionally or unintentionally. Use this as a nice opportunity to refresh your garden.

• Only get plants from reputable sources, and beware of local plant sales and generous friends. Gardeners often split perennials, some of which may be invasive, and the soil can contain seeds or root fragments that can resprout.

• Use native plants - they support beneficial insects, including butterflies, and support birds and other wildlife.

• Support PlantWise! Vermont, an innovative program that encourages nurseries, landscapers and landscape designers to stop selling invasives.

• Share your knowledge about invasives with other gardeners.