Valuing native plant life and diversity

Native plants are essential to maintain the biodiversity of our native habitats. Invasive plants (which generally have been imported by accident or on purpose) are able to grow rapidly and aggressivley, and are able to crowd out or outcompete native species due to their lack of controls such as disease and predation.

These plants often provide critical food and habitat for native animals, without native plants many animal populations maybe in danger, thus contributing to the decline of both plant and animal biodiversity in our eccosystems.

I TRY to help combat this problem in two ways.

First I am involved in a local stewarship group and spend time removing invasive plants such as Himalayan Blackberry, Scotch Broom, Purple Loosestrife, English Ivy and Morning Glory to name a few.

My Second contribution, is simply my knowledge; I use it to make informed choices about the plants I include in my garden, how I dispose of my garden waste, and of course I frequently share and spread the knowledge among other open minded, environmental citizens.