Plant Wise
is a national program that helps gardeners, landscapers, and the horticulture industry make informed planting decisions that help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants.
One of the ways invasive species spread is through gardening and landscaping activities. Invasive plants can escape into natural areas, while insects and other invasive organisms can hitchhike on nursery stock, soil, mulch, and compost.
By choosing “Grow Me Instead” non-invasive alternatives, you protect New Brunswick’s natural heritage.
How To Be Plant Wise
Choose native or non-invasive plants that are well suited to your garden conditions.
Inspect plants, soil, mulch, and compost for invasive "hitchhikers" such as insects, worms, and egg masses before bringing them home.
Purchase locally grown plants and properly labelled seed mixes whenever possible.
How To Be Plant Wise
Dispose of invasive plants, seeds, and yard waste responsibly (bag and landfill where appropriate).
Learn species-appropriate methods for removing and disposing of invasive plants from your property.
Support local nurseries and gardening organizations that promote native and non-invasive plants.
While NBISC does not offer physical plant removal services, we empower local communities with non-invasive plant alternatives, nursery partner recognition, and tools to report invasive species escaping into native habitats.
Grow Me Instead Guide for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
Gardens and yards are extensions of our local ecosystems and they represent incredible opportunities to help restore an area’s biodiversity.
What we plant in them has an impact on the surrounding natural areas; in fact, many of today’s most damaging invasive plants were first brought to North America for ornamental purposes. Grow Me Instead is a component of the Plant Wise program that focuses on increasing awareness about invasive horticultural plants and providing native alternatives.
Example Species
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Japanese Knotweed
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Jumping Worm
See it? Report it!
As a non-profit organization, we do not physically remove established invasive species. Rapid reporting does allows us to focus on prevention, community education, and strengthening tracking networks.
Help keep New Brunswick free of invasive species!
Resources
Check out some of our free helpful resources
Join the Recognized PlantWise Partner Program
Recognized PlantWise Partners receive educational resources, training opportunities, promotional materials, and ongoing support to help implement PlantWise principles within their organization.
By becoming a Recognized PlantWise Partner, local retailers, garden centres, municipalities, garden clubs, and other organizations demonstrate their commitment to helping prevent the spread of invasive species in New Brunswick.
Take the Pledge
Ready to do your part?
Take the pledge to be Plant Wise!