Remove those area rugs immediately!
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In many gardens, the beauty of a well-tended landscape can be marred by invasive ground covers that spread aggressively, disrupting local ecosystems and making garden maintenance a challenge. Here's a look at some common problematic ground covers and why they should be approached with caution.
Thyme, a low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly plant, is a popular choice for many gardeners. It requires no additional watering once established and offers a splash of colour in the form of reddish leaves in autumn and blue flowers in spring. However, while it can be walked on in sunny garden areas, it is not trampling-resistant and may struggle in high-traffic spots.
Another common ground cover is the Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor), an evergreen plant that blooms purple in spring. While its flowers are attractive, the plant spreads through the garden via long runners, requiring constant pruning or removal to prevent it from taking over.
Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’) is another plant that can add a touch of red to your garden with its colourful tips. However, it spreads uncontrollably in beds without a root barrier and is best kept in a pot to prevent it from becoming a problem.
Goutweed, periwinkle, creeping Jenny, English ivy, lily of the valley, and yellow archangel are some other troublesome ground covers that gardeners should be aware of. These plants are problematic because they tend to spread aggressively, crowding out valued perennials and native plants, and making garden maintenance difficult.
For example, English ivy, originally from China, spreads strongly and can climb trees. Once established, it's hard to remove, anchoring to surfaces and damaging walls and trees. Lily of the valley has persistent roots that are hard to remove and can take over shady areas, pushing out native species.
Invasive ground covers can also reduce biodiversity and harm insect populations critical for garden health. They can disrupt local ecosystems by reducing food and habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
To maintain a healthy and diverse garden, it's important to be mindful of the plants we choose and to take steps to prevent invasive ground covers from taking over. Regular pruning, removal, and the use of root barriers can help to keep these problematic plants under control. By making informed choices and taking proactive measures, gardeners can ensure that their gardens remain beautiful and thriving for years to come.
References:
[1] Invasive Species Info. (n.d.). English Ivy. Retrieved from https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/english_ivy
[2] The National Wildlife Federation. (n.d.). Invasive Plants. Retrieved from https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Plant-Native/Invasive-Plants
[3] The Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Japanese Blood Grass. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/31446/Japanese-Blood-Grass/details
Gardening choices have implications for the overall health of a garden and its ecosystem. For instance, the home-and-garden section recommends avoiding invasive ground covers like English ivy, gardeners should be cautious about incorporating this plant in their lifestyle due to its aggressive spreading and difficulty in removal. Similarly, lily of the valley, with its persistent roots, can take over shady areas and should be managed carefully to prevent it from crowding out other plants.
