Environmental group Clean North spotlights 24 invasive plants known to be aggressive invaders locally and suggests native plants to grow in their place
Gardeners and property owners in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District now have access to a “grow me instead” guide geared to this area.
“I have greatly increased the number of native plants in my yard over the past decade, and the increase in biodiversity – especially pollinators – fills me with joy,” said Abby Obenchain, Clean North communications lead and author of the new guide.She pointed out that invasive plants pose a major threat to biodiversity. “They can push out native species and dominate ecosystems, reducing food sources and habitat for wildlife.
To complete the guide, she set out to determine which species were most troublesome locally – and which native plant species make the best alternatives. The work included consulting with partner organizations and local botanists.So what advice does Obenchain have for gardeners who want to tackle invasive plants on their property?
Because of these challenges, the Sault/Algoma Grow Me Instead Guide has a unique feature. It offers two types of alternatives to invasives. One group comprises plants native to Algoma and the other features plants native to other parts of the province.