More information
Description
Plant invasions are now considered one of the main threats to biodiversity worldwide. Horticulture, especially botanical and castle gardens, is considered to be the main source of invasive plant species. Native ornamental plants make up a high percentage of the European flora. In the Czech Republic, 54 % of all plant species are of this type. Some of these taxa then spread uncontrollably into the wild and become dangerous and unwelcome aliens. Well-known examples are the hogweed, knotweeds or Himalayan balsam. In addition to the loss of biodiversity, invasive species also cause changes in nutrient and moisture conditions in natural ecosystems. Specially protected areas of nature, e.g. nature reserves or Natura 2000, are at risk. Invasive species also often contain toxic or allergenic substances that affect human health. The aspect of introducing new species into ornamental crops is not yet emphasized in horticultural practice in the Czech Republic - invasive species are still commercially widespread. Therefore, it is advisable to highlight the issue of cultivation and spread of invasive species and influence horticultural practice to favor species that do not exhibit invasive behavior. The project is inspired by campaigns in Australia and New Zealand (Plant/Grow me instead) and the UK (Be plant wise, Plant Alert) which motivate gardeners to change their attitude towards invasive species. Given the different environmental and social conditions in the Czech Republic, the campaign needs to be adapted to local conditions. A local range of species to be grown will be compiled, a list of safe alternatives will be compiled, safe alternatives will be planted, distributed and shown in plantations. The project will also include an educational campaign.
Summary of project results
In the project, we focused on the issue of invasive and non-native species escaping from garden cultures, as over 50% of escaped species originated from ornamental plantings. Gardening practices have so far not addressed this issue, despite the significant problems invasive and escaped species pose for nature conservation, particularly the loss of biodiversity in native communities and a decrease in ecosystem services. Through communication with both professional and general gardening communities, the project brought visibility to this topic, and a list of the most problematic invasive and escaped species from garden cultures was created based on extensive discussion. Safe alternatives suitable for garden compositions were proposed for the dangerous species. By implementing demonstration plantings, we showcased options for replacing these species with safe (non-invasive) alternatives. The issue was also presented to high school and primary school students as part of expanding knowledge about biological invasions. Demonstration plantings were used for educational purposes in specialized horticultural schools. Newly proposed planting methods were also introduced to the gardening community through a series of professional articles, a specialized catalog, workshops, a traveling exhibition, and a media campaign.
- Based on extensive discussions among gardeners, garden and landscape architects, and experts on biological invasions, we compiled lists of dangerous species in terms of invasive behavior and their safe alternatives suitable for garden plantings. We presented these lists at professional meetings and published them on the project’s website. The publication highlighted the issue of specific naturalized species from garden cultures for the first time to the horticultural community in the Czech Republic and alerted gardeners to the risks of using them in various types of garden compositions.
- Fifteen new plantings and four additions to existing flower beds were created as examples of best practices. These beds demonstrated the possibility of nature-friendly gardening and the complete replacement of previously used dangerous species with safe alternatives. The plantings were carried out in collaboration with students and local communities. The implemented beds, equipped with information boards, address the general public and may inspire the use of safe alternatives in private gardens.
- Seven educational blocks were conducted for secondary horticultural schools, along with lectures for elementary schools, gymnasiums, and the general public. The "Students to Students" campaign was a significant contribution, where university students presented the issue to their younger peers in secondary and elementary schools. Educating young people about the spread of invasive species from garden cultures will change the perspective of future generations and lead to more responsible gardening practices.
- We created a traveling exhibition and an educational video on the theme "Grow Safely – Do Not Support Invasive Species." Both activities significantly influence the general public’s approach to invasive species and provide positive guidance for changing behavior when creating private gardens.
- We published five articles in professional journals aimed at the horticultural and landscape professional community. These articles addressed the unsuitability of planting dangerous species and explored how changing approaches can positively affect the work of gardeners and garden and landscape architects without significantly impacting their results.
Unexpected results
- The implementation of demonstration beds and the "Students to Students" campaign gained attention abroad (Great Britain), leading to significant collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society within the Garden Escapers project.
- The project attracted the attention of representatives from Grinity, a company specializing in building certifications according to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, resulting in an established collaboration.
- Discussions within the gardening community led to the creation of the "Stratified Approach to Growing Non-Native Species in Garden Cultures," which involves recommending different species for various environments (urban versus rural plantings and plantings at the interface with open landscapes). This approach will be further developed and specified.
Demonstration beds using safe alternatives to invasive or potentially invasive non-native species (15 new beds and 4 additional plantings replacing dangerous species with safe alternatives) are a typical example of best practices that lead to positive changes in the gardening community''s approach to garden compositions. By involving schools, local communities, and municipalities, a positive relationship was established, ensuring the long-term interest of the involved parties in the care and development of the demonstration beds.