Garden invaders are invasive species that are sold to gardeners as plants that will quickly fill in garden areas and flourish in our local gardens. The reason they fill in garden areas so quickly is because they have various invasive tendencies. They grow aggressively, take up resources quickly, and usually have a growth form that enables them to spread. This spreading quickly leads to their escaping from our gardens and their takeover of native ecosystems, parks, and green spaces. They flourish in this environment because so few insects interact with them. They aren't a food source, they're biodiversity black holes and they're creating a break in the food chain.
These are the plants that we need to stop planting in the city. They include English ivy, goutweed, periwinkle, autumn olive, and many ornamental grasses to name a few.
Garden savers are native plants that we can plant instead of these typical garden invaders that are commonly sold in big box nurseries. They contribute to ecosystem function, local biodiversity, and provide habitat connectivity. They grow slowly because they put energy into deep root systems that improve soil conditions, help water infiltrate into the ground water system, and reduce erosion. They return organic material to the soil and they interact with native soil fungi and provide food and shelter for native beneficial insect population.
There are many sources of garden savers in the city, and in nearby rural areas. You just need to know where to look. The North American Native Plant Society has a list of commercial growers throughout North America who are ethically producing true local, native plants in their respective regions.
Wild ginger is a true garden saver. And it's one of the species that I am going to try to grow indoors this year. Here is the OIPC's wild ginger video presented by Colleen Cirillo, the original Healthy Yards coordinator:
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