Blog  June 27, 2012

Grow Me Instead: Why you need to insist on native plants for your garden

L to R: Ken Towle, OIPC, Deborah Martin-Downs, TRCA and Tat Smith, Invasive Species Centre (Photo: Colin Jones)

There are about 500 invasive plants in Canada with the majority (more than 440) putting down roots in Ontario, along with the resulting economic and biodiversity issues associated with them.

To address this, the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Natural Resources, officially launched the Grow Me Instead Nursery Outreach Project developed by the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Through this campaign, the OIPC works with nurseries and garden centres across Ontario to encourage them to promote the sale of non-invasive and native garden plants featured in the Grow Me Instead guide.

Speaking at the news conference at Evergreen Garden Market, Ken Towle, vice-chair of the OIPC, broke down the economic and environmental implications of invasive species.

Recognized as the second greatest threat to biodiversity and species-at-risk after habitat loss, invasive species cost more than $2.2 billion annually in Canadian farmlands alone. This translates into a direct increase in your grocery bill. As alien plants invade landscapes and replace native species, they cost us environmentally too. Wildlife dependant on native habitat for food and shelter die out because of the lack of local vegetation. In human terms, this means increased threats to food security, climate and biodiversity.

Evergreen Garden Market is proud to be a Grow Me Instead affiliate, offering only non-invasive, native and pollinating plants, trees and herbs to its discerning patrons. Drop by and pick up a copy of the free Grow Me Instead guide from the cash counter and choose from a wide range of sustainable, non-invasive plants for your garden.