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

Norway Maples

Norway Maple

Fact Sheet VASCULAR PLANT Acer platanoides Description Norway Maple is a large deciduous tree that grows up to 18 m tall with a large crown.

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Gloosy Buckthorn

Glossy Buckthorn

Fact Sheet Vascular Plant Frangula alnus | European Alder Buckthorn Description Single or many stemmed shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 6 m. Leaves

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Dog Strangling Vine

Dog Strangling Vine

Fact Sheet Vascular Plant Vincetoxicum rossicum & V. nigrum | Pale Swallowwort, Black Swallowwort Description Herbaceous vine growing 1-2 metres high and twining onto plants

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