Guidelines

Know what you are growing: If you are unsure whether a plant has invasive qualities, it is good practice to take a precautionary approach. It is also worth giving careful consideration to a non-native plant’s invasive qualities when you exchange plants with friends, or grow plants from imported seeds.

Know what you are selling and recommending: Invasive non-native plants are not good garden or ornamental plants. There are usually many alternative plants better suited to gardens or ponds. Avoid selling non-native plants that are known to be invasive and are already posing a threat to native biodiversity.

If you continue to sell invasive non-native plants then as a very minimum ensure they are clearly and correctly named, labelled and give an indication of growth rates. Labels on plants should identify the dangers to the wider environment if these plants were to escape from gardens or horticultural premises.

Some other sources of advice on choosing alternative plants:

Know what you are specifying: Do not specify invasive non-native plant when recommending plants for use . Always use the correct Latin genus and species name in conjunction with the common name to avoid confusion. Be aware of the current lists of plants considered to be problematic or invasive and consider revising or withdrawing old publications encouraging the use of these plants.

Know what you are buying: Avoid using plants or seeds known to be invasive, consider alternatives and when using native plants, use those of local origin from certified sources where available. Check all plants supplied against specifications – it is important to ensure when buying plants that you get what you ask for.

Avoid hitch hikers: Plant health regulations relate to pathogens and pests and not to potentially invasive plants or seeds transported unintentionally. It is good practice to quarantine imported plant material by keeping it well away and isolated from locally produced plants and those growing in the wild.

Compost with care: Plant material should never be disposed of in the countryside or even over the garden fence. Much can be composted or taken to municipal recycling centres. Remember some weeds should not be composted for example, Japanese knotweed. Best practice management guidelines for Japanese knotweed are available from the Invasive Species Ireland website. When selling plants, remind customers about the need to safely dispose of plant cuttings and material to reduce the risk of spread of invasive species.

Stay informed of industry developments: Keeping up-to-date of developments within your industry is an important part of maintaining a vibrant horticultural sector in Ireland:

  • www.HortiTrends.com: This site hosts news, jobs, events, information resource & business 2 business directory for the horticulture, environmental, landscape, fresh produce & lifestyle sectors.