Plants, insects, and diseases not found naturally in an ecosystem can become invasive. They can arrive by packing a pest with people or goods or hitching rides in contaminated equipment or clothing.
Many invasive plants are planted intentionally as ornamentals and can be purchased in garden centers. Consider choosing native or sterile/seedless varieties to reduce your garden’s impact.
Look for Plants with Different Colors
Plants and flowers are all vying for your attention in a well-stocked garden center like Lindley’s Garden Center. That’s why the professionals take steps to organize the inventory by color, growing zone, and light requirements. This way, you’ll be able to quickly find what you’re looking for and maximize the chance of buying a plant that only works in your garden when you get home.
You can also try to match colors by using the color wheel to select complementary or analogous plants and flowers for your garden. Consider a native plant selection when shopping at your local garden centers. Non-native and invasive species disrupt native habitats, cut off wildlife food sources, and degrade remaining natural areas. Help protect birds and their habitats by choosing native plants for landscaping!
Look for Plants with Different Shapes
Invasive plants grow out of control and choke out native flora. They have no natural controls, such as insects, diseases, or competition from other species, that keep them in check in their native habitat.
Look for the invasive plant list in your region’s horticultural guide and use this to avoid the most troublesome plants at garden centers. If you spot a potentially invasive plant for sale, ask the manager to stop selling it.
Small ornamental trees add a focal point to any landscape with their delicate foliage, interesting bark, and lovely shape. If you want a tree to define your front yard or create a privacy hedge, consider junipers, cedars, or arborvitae (avoid evergreen exotics such as privet).
Many flowering shrubs have attractive blossoms that attract pollinators. Look for spirea, ninebark, and azalea (beware of the invasive fig), or try Weigela, rose of Sharon, and new sterile varieties of butterfly bush.
Look for Plants with Different Leaves
Species that are not native to an area and are introduced by humans (or by accident) can do significant damage. Many invasive plants started as ornamental plants sold by nurseries and garden centers. Some, like paulownia (also known as empress tree), are fast-growing trees that outcompete other species and produce numerous seeds that can travel long distances. Others, such as periwinkle vine, quickly form a dense ground cover that smothers everything underneath it.
When shopping for ornamentals, look for foliage color instead of flowers. If you’re drawn to a shrub such as a burning bush with its vibrant red fall color, remember that this plant is considered an invasive species in many areas because it can outcompete and choke out native plants that wildlife rely on for food and shelter. For a safe alternative, choose native shrubs such as Weigela and Ninebark. Clean your boots, bags, and gear when you leave a park or natural area to avoid spreading hitchhiking invasive seeds and pathogens.
Look for Plants with Different Flowers
While we all love flowers, they shouldn’t be the only focus when shopping for plants at the garden center. It is important to look at the plant’s foliage as well. In general, the healthier a plant is, the more likely it will be able to bloom and grow well.
Watch for flowering plants that aren’t blooming is also a good idea. Garden centers know that the most popular plants sell the best and fastest, so they often move those that have finished blooming to the clearance racks. Fortunately, many plants that aren’t flowering now will still bloom next year as long as the plant is healthy.
It’s best to buy a mix of spring, summer, and fall blooming plants to ensure there is always something interesting in the landscape. If you are looking for a nice red color in the fall, consider alternatives to burning bush that are safer for natural areas, such as Buddleia, Weigela, or Ninebark.
