The Riverdale Horticultural Society (RSH), founded in 1916, is committed to providing accurate information for members of our community. In partnership with experts, regional and provincial association, RHS, strives to promote responsible stewardship of our gardens, nature, and wildlife.
The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) is excited to share the link to their Earth Day Celebration video, which took place on April 19, 2024. As part of Earth Day, the OHA held a webinar on invasive plants and species in Ontario. Learn more in the section below.
The Ontario Horticultural Association (OHA) celebrated Earth Day in many ways, including a webinar on invasive plants and species in Ontario. This is an important topic for all gardeners and nature lovers, which is why the OHA created a set of resources for the public to use.
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health.
For more information about invasive species, scroll down for a list of links to helpful resources.
Many invasive plants cannot be used by wildlife for food which puts grazing pressure on the few native plants that remain. Invasive plants also pose threats to agriculture due to their ability to spread quickly, out-compete crop and forest plants, and deteriorate soil quality. Once they have taken hold, the thick spread of invasive plants makes them costly and time-consuming to remove.
General information
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.
https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/resources/best-management-practices/
To remove Phragmites
https://www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OIPC_BMP_Phragmites_Feb212024_D13_WEB.pdf
To remove Dog-Strangling-Vine
https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-plants/dog-strangling-vine/
Paul Zammit (the section on removal of invasive plants starts at 2:53). He talks about the priority to remove the flowers so the plant doesn't reseed; DON'T PULL IT; continually cut at ground level.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqA5JDnpAsw&t=1s
Toronto Master Gardeners suggestions on the disposal of invasive plants
/https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Overview.pdf
Grow Me Instead Booklet (Southern Ontario)
Grow Me Instead Booklet (Northern Ontario)
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
Click on your region-click on your district and a list pops up
Locate your ecodistrict https://fgca.net/species-conservation/native-species-learn/
Riverdale Horticultural Society is excited to offer bags of beneficial worm castings to local gardeners. The cost will be $15 for a 20 litre bag. They will be available for pick up in the Riverdale area on Sunday, April 28 and Saturday, May 11 from noon until 4:00 p.m.
Email orders can be placed starting on April 1st and up to four days before the chosen pick-up date at rhswormcastings@gmail.com. Payment will be cash only. There will be volunteers available to load cars if you need help.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCIENCE AND BENEFITS OF WORM CASTINGS, VIEW OR DOWNLOAD THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW!
Learn about the science behind the benefits of worm castings
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