Upcoming Lecture

"The Nonnatives are Restless: Preventing the Spread of Invasives in the Lowcountry"

Charleston Horticultural Society: Charleston Museum March 8, 2010 6:30-7:30

Knowing which plants are invasive in our area is a challenge because many exotic species have established themselves in our landscapes decades ago. To make things more complicated for the gardener, many plants that are designated as invasive are still sold at garden centers and nurseries. This lecture will explain the real impact of invasive species on our natural areas and dependent animal species. In addition to identifying the plants that are invasive in the Lowcountry, suitable alternatives to these plants will be covered. Plant alternatives will not be limited to native species, but the benefits of natives will be a focus of this presentation.

This lecture will be useful to homeowners trying to make conscientious decisions in their personal gardens, hunters who are concerned about natural habitats and food plots, landowners who are battling invasive plants on their property and naturalists who are concerned about preserving our indigenous plants.

A free copy of the book Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests: A Field Guide for Identification and Control (James H. Miller) will be available to each attendee. This 93-page, full-color book has images and descriptions of invasive plants and detailed instructions for their control. It is a useful addition to any gardener's or naturalist's library.

I promise to have all of you out of there by 7:30! And if you come, you have a chance to win some great plants- I'm going to bring some flowering natives for the giveaway. Hope to see you there!