Plant This, Not That Invasive!

Dame’s Rocket

As we all try to help pollinators and save our besieged planet, it pays to know what not to plant as well as what to plant. Sadly, not everything on offer at the local nursery is a safe choice. While they may look great in our gardens, some plants selfseed surreptitiously into nearby fields and woods as fast and as thoroughly as dandelions. Invasives greatly accelerate native species extinction, so it helps to avoid adding to the problem. Do you know which common flowers and shrubs are considered invasive?

Don’t feel guilty if you discover you have a few in your own yard — most of us do. Over time though, think about replacing them with safer choices. Check out these suggestions to see what you could swap in for a similar effect.

Why Bluestar Is Top Rated

This outstanding perennial is still not commonplace, but it’s steadily gaining in popularity thanks to several new hybrids. Both the native form and the hybrids are worth growing. All are highly rated by horticulturalists and gardeners alike. If you’re not familiar with it, read on and find out why.

Two Petite Goatsbeards to Know

Aruncus Noble Spirit

Shade gardens can pose a challenge in that they can be hard to brighten up once the spring ephemerals have passed. One plant that is very useful for this is goatsbeard. A native of damp mountainous woodlands, goatsbeard is found all across the Northern Hemisphere. Its creamy white plumes in late May into early June are a welcome addition along with the astilbes, which they somewhat resemble.

While native goatsbeard can be too big for suburban gardens at five to six feet tall, there are two smaller versions perfect for tight spaces.