Swap your invasive weeds for free native plants

Released 31/10/2018

The spring weed swap is on again this weekend, November 3-4, providing Canberra residents with the perfect opportunity to rid their gardens of invasive weeds and replace them with bush-friendly native alternatives for free.

“Canberrans are very lucky to have a number of great nature reserves and parks right on our doorstep, but it means we need to be mindful of invasive species leaving our yards and affecting our natural environment,” Invasive Plants Coordinator, ACT Parks and Conservation, Steve Taylor said.

“The ACT has over 450 kilometres of urban interface with bushland so we must make every effort to protect our special places, and preserve our native fauna and flora. Invasive weeds can enter bushland and compete with our native plants. When weeds replace the native plants, birds and other animals may look for somewhere else to live.

“Whether you have an established garden, a yard that is a bit out of control or live close to a nature reserve, have a look around and see what invasive species you can swap for some beautiful native plants.

“Established gardens have older style plants, many of which we now know are invasive, such as Privet, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha (Firethorn) and Hawthorn. Even some plants available from nurseries are known to be invasive and escape into our reserves such as Gazania, Freesia, Mexican Feather Grass, Harlequin Flower and Spanish Heath.

“Lots of ACT residents don’t know they are harbouring these pest plants which can escape from gardens into bushland where they grow vigorously, threatening local plant and animal species.

“The weed swap is a great initiative as it not only helps control weeds, but educates people about identifying and treating invasive weeds in a responsible way, which helps continue the fight against these invaders long after the swap is over.

“A range of attractive, native plants will be available for swapping, including small trees such as wattles, shrubs including Correa, groundcovers like paper daisies and native tussock grasses. All plants are supplied by local growers and are very hardy in the Canberra region.

Weed Swap will be held from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm at two green waste recycling centres:

• Corkhills Green Waste Recycling Centre at Mugga Lane
• CSG Green Waste Recycling Centre on Parkwood Road Belconnen

“This event, which has been well supported by the community for 15 years, is a partnership between the Australian Native Plants Society and the ACT Government,” Mr Taylor said.

Further information about invasive plants can be found at www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/plants-and-animals/Biosecurity/invasive-plants

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

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