About one-fourth of the approximately 2,300 plants growing wild in Indiana are nonnative. While not all non-native plants are invasive, those that have earned the title can cause significant damage to local ecosystems. Some invasive plants are still sold by garden centers and nurseries, while others may have been planted in your landscape before they …
Gardening
Just as weeds negatively impact a cultivated garden, invasive plants degrade ecosystems. These nonnative species spread aggressively, often forming dense monocultures and outcompeting native plants. Not only does this reduce plant biodiversity, but it also reduces wildlife habitat. Aquatic invasives sometimes slow water flow, increase sediment deposits, and change water quality. Invasive plants in Illinois …
Before humans began introducing species from other parts of the world, the unique flora and fauna of Hawaii lived in isolation. Many of these native plants and animals exist nowhere else, having evolved on these remote volcanic islands. However, humans have introduced new species to Hawaii, intentionally as well as unknowingly, and some of them …
Georgia ranks seventh among the states for plant diversity. Unfortunately, it also has the fourth-highest extinction rate (plants and animals). While habitat destruction is the leading cause for loss of biodiversity, invasive species follow right on its heels. Invasive plants outcompete, spread diseases to, parasitize, and negatively alter the habitat of native plants. This in …
While most nonnative plants can be safely grown in home gardens without becoming a nuisance, about 12 percent of nonnative plants in Florida are considered invasive or even prohibited. These invasive species spread quickly and aggressively, harming native ecosystems and resisting eradication efforts. Although invasives make up a small percentage of nonnative plants in Florida, …
Gardening can be such an enjoyable, relaxing hobby. Numerous studies have explored how fresh air, soil, plants, and physical activity in the garden benefit both physical and mental health – not to mention the healthy bounty of homegrown vegetables and herbs. But when garden pests and diseases threaten your precious plants, gardening quickly becomes a …
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by a beautiful scene? A sort of a secret garden? This happened to me a few weeks ago when I came across some beautiful pictures, accompanied by inspiring stories about Rosemary, a mom who loved her garden and the village she called home. I couldn’t help but …
While gardening is a fruitful and enjoyable activity for many, it can, at times, become discouraging when you discover damage made by unwanted pests and diseases. When you see your veggies nibbled to the ground, or with a bite out of each fruit, when you see holes in your garden beds, and you know that’s …
Garden lovers never need an excuse to spend time doing what they enjoy most. However, these special garden holidays that come around throughout the year are not to be missed. Most people have heard of Earth Day, which is celebrated throughout the globe. But did you know that there are many more garden-related holidays on …
The state of Delaware recently outlawed 37 invasive plants (see link below), prohibiting the propagation and movement of these weeds within, into, and out of the state. These nonnative plants outcompete native species, reduce wildlife habitat, and often grow and spread quickly, making them difficult to eradicate. Below the complete list of the prohibited plants, …