Fredericton Botanic Gardens hosting invasive species tour

The multiflora rose - an invasive species in Fredericton's Botanic Gardens - is pictured.

The Fredericton Botanic Gardens is home to thousands of plant and animal species but not all of them are welcome.

Mujin Lee is the head gardener at the botanic gardens. He’s leading an invasive plants tour and workshop to raise awareness about the damage they cause at the gardens on Tuesday. He said invasive species spread aggressively in new environments and cause ecological damage by outcompeting local plants for resources.

“They do not form as much close relationships with our native organisms throughout their life cycle,” Lee said. “Which means they provide less food and shelter to those native organisms.”

Lee said this affects the entire ecosystem because invasive plants are very good at spreading.

“Some plants can actually deposit up to four years’ worth of seeds in a single growing season and they can stay dormant in the soil for many years just waiting for the right environment to germinate.”

Lee said the first step in stopping the advance of these species is making sure they don’t go to seed by cutting them back after they flower before they form seed heads. For plants with extensive root systems, he said it’s important to dig up and remove as much of the plant as possible.

Two common invaders in the botanic gardens are Woodland Angelica and the multiflora rose, Lee said. He will be joined by the representatives from the invasive species council on the tour. They will demonstrate how to remove the rose.

This the second in a series of guided invasive species tours at the Fredericton Botanic Gardens. The first was held on July 8. The workshop on July 22 begins at 6:30 p.m.

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