February 2025
PICKAWAY TO GARDEN
Alien Invasion (UFO’s)
This story
may invade your consciousness, out competing other thoughts for a short period
of time. UFO’s (Uncontrolled Foreign Organisms) are recognized this month.
February 24-28 has been designated National Invasive Species Week. There are a
lot of invasive species: fish, insects, mammals, birds. And, some would argue,
that we earthlings, are an invasive species. However, what we cover here are
plants. What is an invasive plant?
An invasive
plant is “an alien (non-native) species whose introduction does or is likely to
cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Invasive plants
are often spread by human activity often unintended. Invasive plants are often
confused with aggressive plants. “Aggressive plants are species that spread
rapidly and can outcompete other plant species. Aggressive plants can be native
or non-native, and they may be aggressive in some situations, but not others.”
They may or may not be invasive.
“Native
plants …are adapted to local climate and soils. They have co-evolved with
native insects and wildlife and are critical to ecosystems functions…native
plants are those species present prior to wide-spread European settlement.”
“Non-native plants are those introduced to a new place or habitat.” They did
not evolve locally and may not support ecosystem health. They can be introduced
from other countries or other areas of a country (Colorado Blue Spruce). An
ecosystem is a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical
environment.
Invasive
plants are often introduced because they are pretty (Burning Bush), smell nice
(Japanese Honeysuckle), have an impressive size (Siberian Elm) or shape, are
exotic or unique (Callery Pear). They may be brought in for food for wildlife
(Autumn Olive), domestic animals (Kudzu), pollinators or humans (Garlic
Mustard). They may provide shade (Norway maple), fast growth (English Ivy) or
erosion control. Some arrive by accident (Emerald Ash Borer).
They, by
definition, harm forests and their understories(the non-native Bush
Honeysuckles), wetlands (Purple Loosestrife), lawns (Lesser Celandine), fields
(Common Teasel), gardens, waterways and landscapes. They alter these by
obstructing sunlight, depleting oxygen, clog waterways (Phragmites), alter the
chemistry or composition of soil, smother or crowd out other vegetation
(Japanese Stiltgrass), hybridize with other species (White Mulberry), reduce
forage for livestock, are toxic to humans and other animals (Poison Hemlock),
form thickets (Common Privet), have thorns (Multi-floral Rose), harbors ticks
(Common Barberry), increase fire risk. They can be allopathic i.e. exuding
chemicals that suppress other competing plants (Tree of Heaven). They alter
habitats and outcompete native plants. This is not an exhaustive list. There
are lists of prohibited noxious weeds of which some are invasive and some not.
All invasives are non-native but not all non-natives are invasive. All
invasives are aggressive but not all aggressives are invasive. UFO’s have been
identified, you read it here.
Things to do in the garden:
Check
perennials and bulbs for heaving out of the ground. Press them down gently with
your foot. Make a list of plants you want. Inventory seeds you have saved to make
sure they aren’t past viability. Send in your seed orders. When you make out
your seed and plant orders consider planting more native and heirloom plants.
Native plants are plants that evolved here and are adapted to our conditions,
diseases and native pests. While you’re at it try googling the name of a flower
you’re thinking about ordering. You will
be able to see pictures and planting information.
This is the time
to prune trees and shrubs (after you sharpen your tools). You can see their
structure now that they are dormant and the leaves are down. Cut out crossing
and rubbing branches and unwanted suckers.
Pruning can be done to reduce the size of a tree or shrub to bring it in
to balance or to remove overhanging branches blocking a view or path. Insects
are less likely to be attracted to cuts while trees are dormant. Remember,
spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after flowering if you want to enjoy
the blooms. Summer flowering shrubs can be pruned now. Cut back butterfly bush
(Buddleia) severely.
On smaller
trees you may want to take care of problems yourself. On larger trees you should
call in an expert to inspect and perhaps correct any problems. Arborists are in
a slow time of year. The ground, if frozen, will not be damaged and compacted
as much from equipment and crews. The Arbor Day Foundation recommends that you
have Certified Arborists check any safety problems you may have noticed. To
find them go to www.isa-arbor.com click on “Verify Certification” and
then “Find an Arborist.” They will not recommend topping your trees. The City
of Circleville has a Comprehensive Tree Plan. You can find it at
ci.circleville.oh.us, in the search box type Tree Plan. There you will find
lots of information on caring for trees.
If you dug up
bulbs for storage check on them. Spritz them with water to prevent drying out. Throw
away any rotting or shriveled ones. Water any dormant or overwintering plants
in your garage or basement. Water houseplants with lukewarm water, don’t
overwater and turn them a quarter turn once a week, no fertilizer yet.
Seeds of
onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and other members of the Cole family can be
started indoors this month for setting out in late March or early April,
depending on the weather: The University of Minnesota has a good discussion; go
to www.extension.umn.edu/garden /flowers/starting-seeds-indoors. Also
Google Winter Sowing. There you will read how to recycle plastic milk bottles
to easily germinate some seeds. It is a good way to raise a lot of seedlings
for planting “drifts,” those bands of like plants that wander serpentinely
through flower beds. Now is a good time to start building raised vegetable
garden beds.
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