The OHA was very excited to have Claudette Sims speak at our Earth Day Celebration where she discussed "A Gardening Conundrum:  Why are invasive plants sold in nurseries?  Invasive plants are a threat to biodiversity, human health and our economy. They threaten native plants, insects, animals and our forests. So why are they still sold in nurseries? This talk will answer that question and suggest actions that we can all take to safeguard biodiversity.

We also had the OHA's Conservation & Environmental Committee share "What's New for Societies/Clubs" and who provided an excellent presentation on  "Harmful Foreign Species Have Invaded Ontario - Learn how you can help stop the spread"  As discussed in the video, we have attached the plant sale information documents, flower show guidelines and invasive species document for your use and for sharing.

 

To round out a wonderful evening of learning, we heard from District 7 & 8 on the excellent convention scheduled for July 12-14, 2024 in Guelph, Ontario. Fabulous speakers, bus trips, vendors, silent auction, entertainment and awards banquet and so much more!!    

 

Special thanks goes out to Claudette Sims, Sandra Rammelaere, Joyce Schlegel, Debi Foster, Karen Redmond, Kathy Bouma and OHA President, Sharlene Desjardins for making it a very successful evening!
 

We have some excellent resources to share with everyone, care of Claudette Sims:

 

Invasive Plant Removal

• General info: work in moist soil where possible; prioritize removing flowers to prevent seed formation; cut repeatedly at ground level; dig out entire plant and all roots; work on the invasive front first

• Best Management Practices for the removal of invasive species can be found at: https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/best-management-practices/ 

• Phragmites https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OIPC_BMP_Phragmites_Feb212024_D13_WEB.pdf

• How to Remove DSV:  https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-plants/dog-strangling-vine/

• Paul Zammit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqA5JDnpAsw&t=1s (removal starts at 2:53) Priority is to remove the flowers so it doesn't reseed; don't pull it; continually cut at ground level; 

 

Invasive Plant Fact Sheets for Gardeners (Claudette/Master Gardeners)

• Creeping-Bellflower 

• Garlic Mustard

• Goutweed 

• Invasive Knotweeds - Information and Control

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Invasive Plant Alternatives and native plant lists

• Grow Me Instead Booklet (Southern Ontario)

• Grow Me Instead Booklet (Northern Ontario)

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From Thames Valley Conservation

• Recommended Native Trees and Shrubs

• Recommended Native Wildflowers and Grasses

• Tallgrass Prairie Plant Species Native to Middlesex, Oxford and Perth Counties

• Tallgrass Prairie on the Farm

 

In Our Nature Resources Plant Lists

• Alternative to invasive plants https://www.inournature.ca/native-alternatives-to-invasive-plants

• 21 Groundcovers https://www.inournature.ca/native-groundcovers

• Low growing shrubs https://www.inournature.ca/low-growing-shrubs

• Best shrubs https://www.inournature.ca/best-native-shrubs

• All other lists: https://www.inournature.ca/resources

 

Forest Gene Conservation has native plant lists for specific areas in Ontario-click on your region-click on your district and a list pops up

• Locate your ecodistrict https://fgca.net/species-conservation/native-species-learn/