As spring arrives with sunshine and warmer days, many Hoosiers are shifting their focus to their landscaping and gardening. Garden stores are filling with spring blooms, but it is important to remember that landscape choices can have an impact outside of your own yard.
For example, an estimated 86 percent of invasive woody species, such as Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Privet and Burning Bush, come from landscape plantings. These plants were brought to America and sold widely for their desirable characteristics like brilliant fall color, but unfortunately, outside of their natural habitat, they have been able to spread unchecked. Birds eat the berries and carry seeds to natural areas where these invaders exploit their fast growth to outcompete native species.
While the harm these species cause to ecosystems is well documented, many invasive plants continue to be sold in landscape and garden centers. Species such as Callery (Bradford, Aristocrat, Cleveland Select) pear are widely available for sale despite the ecological devastation they bring to natural areas and woodlands.
To help you select beneficial native species, the Indiana Native Plant Society (INPS) is promoting the use of native plants in landscaping instead of invasive plants through the Grow Indiana Natives program. The Grow Indiana Natives program is a statewide effort to recognize plant retailers who sell native plants and those who do not sell invasive plant species, all of which are listed at this link. These retailers get special recognition as Invasive-Free Grow Indiana Natives members.
Participating businesses submit an online application and their stock lists are reviewed by a committee. Invasive-free certified plant sellers join the Buy Native directory on the Grow Indiana Natives website. Customers can refer to the website and associated map to find retailers who are doing their part stop the spread of invasive species. For those seeking help with landscape design, there is also a listing of landscape designers who use natives and no invasive species.
Do you grow native plants in your garden and work to remove invasive species from your property? If so, you can apply for free to certify your garden as a Grow Indiana Natives garden. After approval, gardeners get a free window cling with the Grow Indiana Natives logo and are eligible to purchase a metal “We Grow Indiana Natives” sign.
More information about all Grow Indiana Natives programs and the list of approved retailers is available at GrowIndianaNatives.org.