PlantWise Photo Contest
We Want to See Your Garden Escapees!
This Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM), Invasives Canada and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC) are asking Canadians to help shine a spotlight on invasive plants spreading beyond our backyards.
We’re launching the Garden Escapees Photo Campaign – a community-driven initiative encouraging people to submit photos of invasive plants that have “escaped” gardens and spread into nearby natural areas like parks, forests, trails, shorelines, and roadsides. What we choose to plant in our yards can influence the health of our ecosystems and we’re bringing awareness to these “garden-escapees” with this campaign.
As a thank you for participating, everyone who submits a photo will be entered for a chance to win one of 5 Biodiversity is Good hats >>
What is a ‘Garden Escapee’?
The horticulture and landscaping industries are a major pathway of introduction for invasive plants. Some were planted intentionally because they were attractive, fast-growing, or easy to maintain.
Unfortunately, over time, many of these plants we enjoyed have escaped cultivation and spread into natural ecosystems where they can take over landscapes and hurt biodiversity. They can form dense patches or monocultures that reduce habitat for pollinators, wildlife, and native plants.
These plants are often called “garden escapees.”
Common ornamental plants, like goutweed, periwinkle, lily-of-the-valley, knotweed and purple loosestrife, can spread beyond our property lines. Properties that border natural areas, like parks and forests, have a higher risk of impacting local ecosystems.
How to Participate
Keep an eye out for invasive plants growing outside of gardens in your community. We’re looking for invasive plants that have spread outside of a property/garden into natural areas, especially properties that border parks, trails, forests, etc.
When you find one:
- Take a clear photo
- Send your picture to info@oninvasives.ca, include your name and the location of the garden escapee (park/ town or city/ province)
Every submission helps raise awareness about invasive plants and the impacts garden escapees can have on local biodiversity!
