Plant Wise

Plant Wise

Humans are largely responsible for the movement of invasive species from one area to another. Many human-assisted pathways have permitted the introduction of invasive species in Nova Scotia. One of these pathways is the garden and horticultural trade. Many invasive species are sold as plants for gardens. Unfortunately, they take over gardens very quickly and can quickly escape cultivation and spread into neighbouring ecosystems.

We have created a Grow Me Instead Guide which highlights some common invasive species used in gardens and offers native or non-invasive alternatives. This will help guide gardeners and landscapers choose non-invasive and native plants that will thrive in their gardens and not harm native ecosystems!

Goals and Objectives of Plant Wise

Senior grandparents and granddaughter gardening in the backyard garden.

Partnerships 

Develop and promote partnerships between national and provincial horticulture/nursery associations, the CCIS and its provincial members.

Garden tools with plants isolated on white background

Standard Messaging

Promote branding, information sharing, resource consistency, and standard messaging amongst the provincial horticulture outreach groups.

Close up of strong man in gloves cutting leaves in his garden. Farmer spending summer morning working in garden near countryside house.

Education

Educate gardeners, garden retailers, nurseries, growers, and the landscape industry to:

  • Understand what invasive plants are, why they’re a problem, and what they can do to prevent their spread
  • Stop buying and selling invasive plants
  • Promote the sale and purchase of non-invasive alterative plants
  • Control or replace invasive plant species
  • Dispose of unwanted plants/plant material properly.
young african american woman inspecting beets just pulled from the dirt in community urban garden

Collaboration

Collaborate with national groups participating in the program.

Code of Conduct

Implement a national voluntary code of conduct for nurseries and retailers.

Invasive Species in Nova Scotia

Woodland Angelica

Woodland Angelica

Fact Sheet VASCULAR Angelica sylvestris Description Large biennial member of the carrot family commonly 1-2 m tall when flowering from July to September. Small, fragrant

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Phragmites SeedHeads

Common Reed

Fact Sheet Vascular Plant Phragmites australis ssp. australis | Elephant Grass, Giant Reedgrass Description Very tall, stout grass, often reaching heights of 3 m or

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Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch Elm Disease

Fact Sheet Insect & Fungus Hylurgopinus, Scotylus, & Ophiostoma spp Description Dead and dying White Elm trees. Results from several different microscopic sac fungi (all

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Blue sedge

Blue Sedge

Fact Sheet vascular plant Carex flacca Description Cool-season sedge grow to a height of 30-45 cm and a width of 30-45 cm, forming a dense

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