Recognized PlantWise Partner Program
is an education and support initiative that helps organizations reduce the introduction and spread of invasive plants through informed plant selection, public education, and responsible horticultural practices.
By becoming a Recognized PlantWise Partner, retailers, garden centres, municipalities, garden clubs, and other organizations demonstrate their commitment to helping prevent the spread of invasive species in New Brunswick.
The Problem
Many invasive plants were originally introduced for ornamental purposes.
Over time, some escaped cultivation and spread into natural areas, threatening native biodiversity, ecosystems, and the economy. Today, some invasive plants continue to be sold and planted, making prevention and informed plant selection more important than ever.
Invasive Species Pathways
Many invasive plants have been intentionally introduced through the horticulture industry.
Pathways of spread include the sale of invasive ornamental plants, contaminated soil and mulch, invasive seeds in seed mixes, and the movement of nursery stock. Preventing these introductions is a shared responsibility across the horticulture industry, from growers and distributors to retailers, landscapers, municipalities, and gardeners.
What does the Recognized PlantWise Partner Program offer?
Recognized PlantWise Partners receive educational resources, training opportunities, promotional materials, and ongoing support to help implement PlantWise principles within their organization.
Participants are encouraged to stay informed about invasive species, explore implementation of the National Voluntary Code of Conduct, share information with customers and communities, and promote responsible plant choices.
Program Benefits
Invasive Species Resources
Recognized PlantWise Partners have access to educational resources developed in collaboration with invasive species experts, botanists, horticultural professionals, and experienced gardeners. Resources include PlantWise display kits, Grow Me Instead guides, invasive plant factsheets, and additional outreach materials.
Website Recognition
Recognized PlantWise Partners are featured on the NBISC website in recognition of their commitment to helping prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species in New Brunswick.
Invasive Species Training
Recognized PlantWise Partners have access to invasive species training provided by NBISC to increase awareness of invasive plants, support informed decision-making, and encourage responsible horticultural practices.
PlantWise Display Kits
Recognized PlantWise Partners receive a PlantWise display kit that can be used to educate customers and visitors about invasive plants and responsible gardening.
Display kits may include Grow Me Instead Guides, PlantWise rack cards, stickers, factsheets, and other educational resources.
National Voluntary Code of Conduct
Looking to get further involved? Embrace the National Voluntary Code of Conduct for the Ornamental Horticulture Industry.
his Code of Conduct outlines the guidelines for individuals and organizations who are involved in landscape management in Canada. This includes all aspects, such as retail sales, landscaping companies, and garden enthusiasts. It provides guidelines and best practices for preventing, detecting, and controlling invasive species in the Canadian landscape.
This resource was developed by the National Horticulture Invasive Plant Working Group (led by the Canadian Council on Invasive Species in partnership with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This Code of Conduct is voluntary, therefore it is not monitored or enforced, but rather, establishes key actions to help prevent the introduction, spread, establishment, and impact of invasive species.
Plants of Concern
These garden escapees are some of New Brunswick’s most aggressive invasive plants.
Once established, they can spread beyond gardens and threaten native ecosystems.
Goutweed
(Aegopodium podagraria L. )
Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut
Resources
Check out some of our free helpful resources
Grow Me Instead is part of the PlantWise program and encourages gardeners to replace invasive ornamental plants with native and non-invasive alternatives.
Curious to know what invaders are hiding in your gardens? Our invasive plant fact sheets provide information to help you identify and manage many of New Brunswick’s invasive plant species.
Beneficial Management Practices
NBISC’s Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) provide practical guidance for preventing and managing priority invasive species in New Brunswick.
Let’s Work Together
Become a Recognized Partner today!