Being A Responsible Gardener - Beware of Invasive Ornamental Plants! Options for Native Alternatives.

Weedy Horticulturals and Native Alternatives

Chet Neufeld, Executive Director, Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan

I don’t know any gardener whose favourite season is winter.  All a person can do is plan, wait and perhaps start a few plants from seed in a sunny room.  With all this time on your hands, it’s a really good time to think about what you like and don’t like about your yard.   

You might want to plant something new in a corner of your yard or you might want to replace some old, tired looking plants with new ones.  And while you’re thinking about what you want to plant and where, consider what your plant choices will do in the future.   

While the mature size and shape of plants are important to the overall look and function of your yard, I would argue that the potential spread of plants is just as important.  Will the plant stay more or less where it was put?  If the answer is “no” or “I’m not sure”, perhaps you should consider another alternative.   

I have talked to many gardeners that have asked me how to get rid of plants that began taking over their flower beds and even creeping into their lawn.  While my answers differ depending on the species in question, it would have been easiest if they had not planted it in the first place (although hindsight is 20/20).  Worse yet, some invasive plants don’t stop at fence lines and continue to spread into their neighbour’s yard, down the road or into surrounding natural areas.   

For example, the City of Saskatoon and Meewasin Valley Authority spend tens of thousands of dollars trying to eradicate European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) from the South Saskatchewan River valley; the infestation was a result of horticultural introductions throughout the city.  There are hundreds of examples of garden plants escaping into the wild and wreaking havoc, most notably purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) which showed up in the lake near my house for the first time in the summer of 2008.   

We as gardeners have a responsibility to ensure our gardens are environmentally-friendly.  Does this mean that we have to sacrifice the beauty of our gardens?  Absolutely not!  For every invasive plant, there is another plant with roughly the same look and function that will stay where it was put.  With that, I’ve compiled a short list of new alternatives to old problem plants.

Flowers
Invasive Horticultural Plant	Problem	Native Alternative	Benefits
Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum superbum), Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)	Its seeds readily establish in areas outside of where it was planted, such as natural areas.	Many flowered aster (Aster ericoides)	Very drought hardy and blooms for a long time.
Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)	As its name indicates, it creeps - everywhere!	Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), Low larkspur (Delphinium bicolor)	These beautiful flowers will attract butterflies.
Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)	Adult plants can produce up to 50,000 seeds that spread everywhere.	Native sunflowers (Helianthus sp.)	Sunflowers are drought-tolerant, mid-to late summer bloomers and will stay where they're planted.
German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum)	Produces a large amount of seed that spreads to other parts of your yard and natural areas.	Many flowered aster (Aster ericoides)	Very drought hardy and blooms for a long time.
Himalayan balsam / Poor man's orchid (Impatiens glandulifera)	Spreads to natural areas, particularly along rivers and creeks.	Joe pye (Eupatorium maculatum), Spotted touch-me-not (Impatiens biflora)	These showy flowers will attract butterflies.
Snow-on-the-mountain / Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)	This creeper invades natural areas.  Also, the plant is poisonous to children and pets, and the oils can cause rashes.	Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)	This shade-lover has large leaves and interesting little flowers.
Water Garden Plants
Invasive Horticultural Plant	Problem	Native Alternative	Benefits
Yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata)	Can escape into ponds and lakes, where it covers the water surface and shades out aquatic life.  It also makes water-based recreational activities very difficult.	Yellow pondlily (Nuphar variegata)	Arguably one of the most beautiful, showy flowers.  Blooms last for months.
Water chestnut (Trapa natans)	Problems are much the same as yellow floating heart.  Water chestnut produces spiky seed pods that can puncture feet if stepped on - even wearing leather soles!	Yellow pondlily (Nuphar variegata)	Arguably one of the most beautiful, showy flowers.  Blooms last for months.
Parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)	Spreads to lakes where it chokes out native aquatic vegetation and makes the area useless for fish.	Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)	Oxygenates the water and provides habitat for fish.
Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)	Crowds out beneficial aquatic plants and destroys waterfowl nesting habitat and fish rearing areas.	Joe-pye (Eupatorium maculatum)	Great for pollinators and very attractive on its own or amongst other flowers.
Shrubs
Invasive Horticultural Plant	Problem	Native Alternative	Benefits
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)	Produces a large amount of orange fruit, each containing a seed.  These are dispersed by wildlife which then grow wherever they are deposited.	Thorny buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea), Hawthorn (Crataegus columbiana)	Thorny buffaloberry produces bright red fruit that birds love.  Hawthorn has interesting, curved barbs.  Both will make excellent bird nesting shrubs and form an impenetrable barrier.
Common / European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Alder / Glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)	Easily spreads to natural areas where it will shade out and displace other desirable plants, reducing biodiversity.	Thorny buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea), Hawthorn (Crataegus columbiana)	Thorny buffaloberry produces bright red fruit that birds love.  Hawthorn has interesting, curved barbs.  Both will make excellent bird nesting shrubs and form an inpenetrable barrier.
Salt cedar (Tamarix spp.)	Produces huge amounts of seed that can establish in the wild, where they will consume hundreds of litres of water a day, drying up local aquifers and concentrating salts at the soil surface which renders it almost useless for growing anything.	Juniper (Juniperus communis), Cedar spp. (Thuja spp.)	Junipers are extremely tolerant of drought, cold and foot traffic.  Cedars need the right conditions but are a welcome addition where they can be grown.
Trees
Invasive Horticultural Plant	Problem	Native Alternative	Benefits
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)	Russian olive is a particularly bad problem along waterways, where it displaces native poplars (Populus spp.) and changes the structure and function of shorelines.	Willow spp. (Salix spp.)	Willows are maintenance free and grow quickly.
Siberian / Manchurian elm (Ulmus pumila)	The seeds of this tree are carried by the wind and establish almost anywhere.  Those who have it are constantly pulling seedlings out of their flower beds.  They are unwanted invaders in natural areas as well.	American elm (Ulmus americana), Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)	While the American elm also produces seed, it is less aggressive than the Siberian elm.  It is also the iconic shade tree of old neighbourhoods and is loved by birds and joggers alike for the shade it provides.  Green ash is a good alternative if concerned about Dutch elm disease.

When buying plants or seeds for your yard, do your homework and make sure that you’re not buying pretty weeds.  Look at the tag; if it has descriptions such as “vigorous spreader”, “readily self-seeds” or “easily naturalizes”, BEWARE!  Ask your local greenhouse expert about the plant you intend to buy and if it will spread.  They can also suggest similar plants or seeds to purchase that aren’t aggressive.  Another good resource regarding the potential invasiveness of horticultural plants is the internet.  I Googled “common tansy” and every result on the first page warned that it was a plant to be avoided. 

Be wary of buying seeds over the internet or by mail order.  What might be a pretty flower at a mail order company in the U.S. might be a noxious weed here.  Also, unless you’re dealing with  a reputable seller, the seed you buy could contain weed seeds or in some cases be a completely different species than what you ordered.  Never buy “wildflower” mixes unless you are completely sure that all of the species in the mix are safe to plant.  Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) is a common component of wildflower mixes and is a noxious weed.  If you want a wildflower mix, make your own!  That way you can personalize the mix to the colors, sizes and shapes that you want. 

If you’re removing unwanted invasive plants, be sure to dispose of them properly.  Bag and burn them or put the bag in the trash where it will go to the landfill.  Bagging the plants ensures that no seed will escape on its way to being disposed of.  Don’t compost the plants as there won’t be enough heat generated to kill any seeds or rhizomes that may be present.  If you have any questions or concerns about what you might be growing or what you would like to grow, or would like sources for the plants I’ve listed in this article, contact me at info@npss.sk.ca. 

Sponsor Spotlight December 2015: Bredna Klarer, B&B Hydroponics & Indoor Gardening

RHS would like to acknowledge two more of our wonderful supportive sponsors:

Brenda Klarer, RMT & Bowen Therapy
By appointment only.
Phone or Text 306-737-3351
Email: brenda@brendaklarer.com
www.brendaklarer.com
Like Brenda Klarer on Facebook!

B&B Hydroponics & Indoor Gardening
1404 Cornwall Street,
Regina, SK, S4R 2H7 Like B&B on Facebook!
306-522-4769

RHS relies on it's Corporate Sponsors to keep our events and memberships affordable for all gardeners in the community. We encourage you to visit our Corporate Sponsors often!
www.reginahortsociety.com/sponsors.html and check our posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReginaHortSociety  

Let's Get Growing!

Ken MacDonald, REALTOR ® Century 21 Dome Realty Inc. Proud Supporter of the Regina Horticultural Society!

Ken MacDonald REALTOR ®, Century21 Dome Realty Inc. Regina, Saskatchewan.  Honesty and Integrity are two of the qualities that have made Ken an outstanding real estate agent in Regina and area for the past 20 years. Recognized for his commitment to the real estate profession, to his clients whether buying or selling and to enhancing the quality of life in our community.

Ken is a proud supporter, along with Century21 Dome Realty of Camp Easter Seals and the Regina Horticultural Society! Ken has served as a director of the RHS for several years bringing his enthusiasm, organisational skills and love of gardening to the membership.

Ken has served as events co-ordinator, organizing the annual Spring Plant Sale and Fall Garden Festival. He has been a presenter for workshops and speaking engagements, always promoting the Society and the joy of gardening.

2016 Gardenscape Calendars available on request.  Contact Ken for your copies, or for real estate information today.  Email: ken.macdonald@century21.ca or call/text- 306-591-1878

This information is not intended to solicit real estate.

Ken MacDonald is a licensed REALTOR ® with the Association of Regina Realtors and agent for Century 21 Dome Realty Inc.

Amendment to the RHS Articles of Incorporation - AGM October 29, 2015

 An agenda item for this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation for the Regina Horticultural Society (RHS) which is filed with the Corporate Registry Branch under its responsibilities for the Non-profit Corporations Act, 1995. 

Last year, at the 2014 AGM, the membership approved updated and modernized bylaws for the RHS.  When we subsequently filed our documents for the year, we were advised that some items were not consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.  Therefore, your Board of Directors has reviewed the Articles and updated them to ensure they are consistent with the by-laws and the legislation, and that the RHS bylaws are identified as the source of detailed information.

As required by the Non-profit Corporations Act, changes to the Articles of Incorporation must be ratified by the membership.  Therefore, the amended Articles of Incorporation for the RHS are attached for your convenience.  They will be formally presented for your ratification at our upcoming AGM, which begins at 7pm, Oct 29, 2015 at the United Way Building, 1440 Scarth St., Regina.

Articles of Amendment

Information Services The Non-profit Corporations Act, 1995 Corporation (Section 164)

Form 4

1. Name of corporation: Regina Horticultural Society, Inc. Entity No.: 212709

2. The articles of the corporation are amended as follows:

Article 3: The classes of membership:

Original: The annexed Schedule I is incorporated in this form.

Schedule 1

Classes of Membership

There shall be four classes of membership as follows:

(a) Adult membership, the members of which shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of members;

(b) Junior membership, the members of which shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of members;

(c) Seniors membership, the members of which shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of members;

(d) Honorary Life membership, the members of which shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of members;

Amended: Delete the original point and schedule 1; replace with the following:

Voting members: Each member in Good Standing who is at least 16 years of age is entitled to one vote. With a family membership, up to two persons are entitled to vote.

Non-voting members: Members who are less than 16 years of age are not entitled to vote.

Article 5: Number (or minimum and maximum number) of directors: Original: Minimum of 4 and Maximum of 10

Amended to increase the maximum

New statement: Minimum of 4 and Maximum of 15

Article 7: Restrictions, if any, on businesses the corporation may carry on or on powers the corporation may exercise:

Text from 1999 amendment:

Activities restricted to encourage the improvement and growth of horticulture in the City of Regina and surrounding area, in accordance with the following objectives:

a) To encourage the improvement of home and public grounds and preserve the environment by the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers and by otherwise promoting outdoor art and public beauty;

b) To hold educational meetings on subjects relating to the theory and practice of improved horticulture;

c) To hold horticultural competitions and shows, awarding prizes for vegetables, fruit, cut flowers, house plants, floral art, and other related horticultural exhibits;

d) To promote the circulation of horticultural periodicals, and the society through the use of press, radio and television;

e) To import or otherwise procure new seeds, bulbs, plants shrubs, and trees;

f) To distribute seeds, bulbs, plants, flowers, shrubs and trees in ways which would create an interest in horticulture.

Amended: Delete section; replace with the following:

All activities must fall within the scope of the corporation’s mission and mandate.

The Mission of the RHS is to encourage gardening for the enhancement of the environment and the quality of life of its members and the general public.

The Mandate of the RHS is to educate its members and the general public about horticulture, and to promote and support gardening in Regina and the surrounding area.

Article 9: Other provisions, if any:

Original: The annexed Schedule II is incorporated in this form.

Schedule II Other Provisions

1. A director is required to be a member of the corporation.

2. The bylaws may not require more than a majority of members to constitute a quorum at a meet i ng of members.

3. The directors shall hold their meetings in Regina or district upon notice sent to each director at least 5 days prior to the date of the meeting; provided that the directors may meet on regular dates without notice or may, by unanimous consent, meet at any time or at any place without notice.

4. A meeting of directors may be called at any time by the president or by a vice-president and the secretary shall, when directed by any of the foregoing, call the meeting.

5. No director shall be a salaried employee of the corporation.

6. No director shall receive any remuneration for acting as such. However, a director may be indemnified for his/her expenses incurred on behalf of the corporation as a director.

7. Except in the case of first bylaws after incorporation, all bylaws shall be made, amended or repealed by the members in general meeting. First bylaws shall be substituted at the first meeting of members and may by ordinary resolution be confirmed, rejected or amended.

Amended: Delete the original point and Schedule II; replace with the following:

The corporation will be managed according to its bylaws, and the provisions of the Non-profit Corporations Act, 1995 of Saskatchewan.

3. Each amendment has been duly authorized pursuant to the requirements of the Act.

Date Name Office Held Signature

Regina Horticultural Society - Call for Nominations

Regina Horticultural Society - Call for Nominations


The RHS’s AGM is coming up: Thursday, October 29, 2015 starting at 7pm. It is being held at the United Way Building, 1440 Scarth Street, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Election for positions on the Board of Directors is one of the features of the session. This year, positions up for election are as follows:

President: responsible for the oversight and supervision of the governance of the RHS.

Vice President: responsible for backing-up the President in that person’s absence and for special projects that will further the effective administration and management of the RHS.

Secretary: responsible for recording and distributing records of meetings, managing mail and maintaining the official records of the RHS.

Membership: responsible for maintaining membership registration and records, and records of corporate sponsorship for the RHS, and for depositing related funds in a timely manner.

Food Services: responsible for organizing and ensuring that refreshments are provided at educational events and special functions of the RHS.

Education: responsible for developing and implementing the RHS’s annual education plan with topics and potential speakers. Also responsible for chairing the committee that implements the RHS grant program, Growing Roots in the Neighbourhood (GRIN).

Publicity: responsible for the publicity required for RHS events, and for ensuring that members receive the necessary event information.

If you are interested in a position on your Board of Directors, please contact Jill at jvaisey@sasktel.net.

YOUR RHS NEEDS YOU
LET’S GET GROWING

Regina Horticultural Society - Call for Volunteers

Regina Horticultural Society - Call for Volunteers

Volunteers are key to any healthy organization. Our growing organization values its volunteers, and has several assignments to offer.

Registration Coordinator: works with the Membership Director to ensure that a registration desk is operational at all RHS events and functions.

Social Activities Coordinator: responsible for organizing social events for RHS members, e.g., the June BBQ and pre-Christmas social. Works with the Food Services Director.

Volunteer Coordinator: responsible for arranging volunteers to work at RHS events such as the Plant sale in May and the Garden Festival in August, and occasionally for other one-time events. Works with the Special Events Director.

Workshop Coordinator: responsible for arranging RHS workshops, including identifying potential workshop leaders and making necessary arrangements with them. Works with the Education Director.

Writer/ Blogger: develops information / articles for use in various communications activities. Works with the Communications Director.

GRIN Committee members: works to deliver the RHS grant program, Growing Roots in the Neighbourhood by receiving and evaluating applications and recommending project approval, and recommending program improvements. Works with the Education Director.

Volunteers are also needed for other tasks such as working with the Food Services Director at various events, and phoning members for occasional special events.

If you are interested becoming involved, please contact Jill at jvaisey@sasktel.net

YOUR RHS NEEDS YOU
LET’S GET GROWING

Sponsor Spotlight 2015 - The Wine Cellar

The Wine Cellar

The Wine Cellar is an award winning vint-on-premise and beer & wine making supplies retailer.

You can use their state of the art facilities to create your own wine, talk to their experienced staff that will share the wine making passion with you and try their top quality products made by Vineco International Products and Winexpert.

Wine is their passion, so please stop in and visit our Corporate Sponsor, make some wine and see what events they may be hosting! They also have a webpage, you can see what they are all about at www.thewinecellarregina.com/ and a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thewinecellarregina

RHS relies on it's Corporate Sponsors to keep our events and memberships affordable for all gardeners in the community. We encourage you to visit our Corporate Sponsors often!
www.reginahortsociety.com/sponsors.html and check our posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReginaHortSociety  

Let's Get Growing!