As gardening season begins across Canada, experts are urging gardeners to be cautious when choosing plants and seeds. Invasive species may look beautiful, but they can quickly spread and damage gardens and natural ecosystems. These plants often crowd out native species, reduce biodiversity, and cause serious environmental and economic problems.
“‘Wildflower’ seed mixes often contain invasive species like bachelor’s button, periwinkle, and baby’s breath,” said Colin Cassin, Executive Director at the Invasive Species Centre. “Once planted, invasives like these can quickly spread outside your yard to natural areas, where they can disrupt local ecosystems, choke out native species, and cause cascading negative environmental, economic, and social impacts.”
Buying and selling invasive plants remains a high-risk way for them to spread. Gardeners have the power to protect nature by making informed plant choices. “People may not be aware that what they are purchasing are invasive seeds or plants,” said Monica Liedtke, Terrestrial Invasive Plants Coordinator at the Invasive Species Centre. “That’s where awareness and education come in. We encourage everyone buying seeds and plants to do their research with reputable sources.”
The Invasive Species Centre recommends five smart practices for gardeners:
Learn about local invasive plants: Understand which species are invasive in your region. Use regional resources to avoid planting harmful species.
Read seed packets carefully: Look out for invasive plants listed by their common, scientific, or alternate names.
Choose native plants: Native plants support local wildlife and pollinators. Guides like “Grow Me Instead” can help you find safe alternatives.
Monitor your garden: Regularly check your yard for invasive plants. Early detection helps prevent spread. Use tools like EDDMapS or iNaturalist to report sightings.
Dispose of plants properly: Never dump garden waste in natural areas. Use sealed bags for seeds or plant material and follow local disposal guidelines.
By making informed choices, gardeners play an important role in protecting Canada’s ecosystems.