Invasive plants are an ecological disaster. They take over the countryside, leaving the death and destruction of our native plants in their wake--which means that they’re also destroying wildlife habitat. Invasives are difficult to eradicate because they’re so prolific. They spread like wildfire as they jump from yard to yard, so we need the combined efforts of all home gardeners to help control these interlopers on our properties.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to live in a world made up exclusively of Japanese stiltgrass (pictured on the right) and multifolora rose. So I’ve taken a stand on my little corner of planet Earth. NO INVASIVES ALLOWED! Prevention is the best way to control invasives. Get to know the invasives in your area. Check your property on a regular basis and remove invasives as soon as you see them. Share this information with your friends and neighbors.
Purple Loosestrife and Garlic Mustard are two more of the ten "least wanted" invasives we’re dealing with right now. Take a good look so you’ll be able to recognize them.
To read what Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences is doing to prevent and control invasives in our state, go to Battle With Invasive Plants.
For information about Pennsylvania's top ten invasive plants, go to Top Ten Invasives.
Do you have a gardening question? Call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
August 11, 2007: Vegetable & Fruit Sculpting
Learn how to create sculpted veggies & fruit. This is a hands-on workshop.
September 8, 2007: Gourds & Birdhouses
Learn how to make birdhouses and other useful items from gourds you can grow in your garden. This is a hands-on workshop.
September 29, 2007: Master Gardeners Fall Fest & Plant Sale
Registration required for all events (except plant sale). Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our website at http://delaware.extension.psu.edu/MG/MGcalendar.
