Gardens are one of the most common pathways for invasive plants to spread into natural areas. Many invasive species were originally introduced as ornamentals or accidentally included in seed mixes and soil.
By making thoughtful plant choices and managing garden waste responsibly, you can help protect local ecosystems while creating a beautiful, resilient landscape.
Why This Matters
Invasive plants can:
- Outcompete native species for light, water, and nutrients
- Reduce biodiversity and pollinator habitat
- Increase long-term maintenance costs
- Spread from yards into parks, trails, and wild spaces
Once established, invasive plants are difficult and expensive to remove. Prevention starts at home.
PlantWise
Manage your garden responsibly.
PlantWise: is a consumer and industry education program designed to build an understanding of the problems caused by invasive species, increasing demand for non-invasive plants, and to support the horticulture industry’s transition to becoming free of invasive species.
See our Invasive Species Identification Guides page for Plantwise brochures and downloadable materials.
What Can You Do?
- Remove invasive plants promptly when they appear
- Prevent invasive species from going to seed
- Mulch bare soil to reduce weed establishment
- Monitor property edges, ditches, and fence lines where invasives often start
- Avoid purchasing or trading invasive species
- Look for native or non-invasive alternatives
- Ask local nurseries about invasive-free options
- Be cautious with “wildflower mixes,” which often contain invasive species
Wildflower Seed Mixes
Many wildflower seed mixes are marketed with appealing phrases like “Biodiversity Blend,” “Meadow Mix,” or “Bee-Friendly,” which can mislead even the most well-intentioned gardeners. Unfortunately, these seed packs frequently contain invasive plant species known for their prolific seed production and aggressive growth, traits that make them both inexpensive for companies to include and incredibly harmful to local ecosystems.
Some common culprits in these mixes include species like:
Even seed mixes labeled as “low maintenance” or “easy to establish” can be a red flag, as these characteristics often hint at the invasive nature of the included plants. Once introduced, these species can outcompete native plants, disrupt habitats, and threaten biodiversity.
To protect your garden and the surrounding environment, always read the labels on wildflower seed mixes carefully. Avoid purchasing blends that list invasive species or do not clearly identify the plants included.
Where to Source Native Plants Locally
You can source native species or non-invasive alternatives locally in the Columbia Shuswap Region at most garden centers by asking the staff. The Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners, have created this Native Plants of Southern interior BC List for suitable species and their specific growing conditions. You can view the list on their website here.
Safe Disposal of Invasive Plants
Improper disposal is one of the main ways invasive species spread. For more information visit our disposal of Invasive plants page.
Remember…
DO NOT illegally dump garden waste
DO NOT compost invasive plant material