Serious stuff to think
about…..
Recently in the horticultural world it has been highlighted for us all to start thinking about the effects of importing such vast numbers of foreign garden plants and the relentless pursuit of using invasive non-native species of plants in our works and gardens.
All the while the world is becoming smaller and our quest for something different grows apace. But at what cost? Do we really want to see lots of our gorgeous British countryside replaced by cosmopolitan garden plantings which may be far better suited to their own unique environments? Are we possibly encouraging a potential catastrophe such as the Dutch Elm disease which destroyed the majority of our graceful Elms some years ago? As lovers of nature should we all lead the way and concentrate our efforts on using our native plants in innovative, inspiring ways, or carry on regardless?
There are also materials that as florists, we use without actually knowing the plant’s habits, whether they are poisonous, an irritant to the skin…. One material that is become ever increasingly popular in the floral world is Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica syn. Polygonum cuspidatum). Although it is a lovely material to use – most useful for it’s ability to retain water; making brilliant natural water tubes…. there are some major down sides that are not often mentioned.
Japanese knotweed belongs to the plant family Polygonaceae, the knotweeds. ‘Poly’ meaning many, ‘gony’ from the Greek ‘knee’ meaning jointed. It was introduced from Japan in 1825 as an ornamental plant. The plant is not unattractive but grows to 2.1m (7ft) in one season and spreads like wildfire, overwhelming other garden plants. The dead stems and leaf litter decompose very slowly and form a deep organic layer, which prevents native seeds from germinating. Where established as a wayside weed, native plants are aggressively over-run.
Although knotweed does not produce seeds, it can sprout from miniscule sections of rhizomes and, under the provisions made within the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild and realistically much of its spread is probably via topsoil or construction traffic. However, uncontrolled spread of Japanese Knotweed is likely to cost many councils across the UK, several billion pounds to eradicate. Any part of the plant must be taken to a specially licensed landfill site that has the proper resources to dispose of it. On no account should it be included with normal household or commercial waste.
As far as we are aware and as confirmed by the Flower Council of Holland – the variety which is sold commercially still has the same habit, so it makes you wonder – why?? Why is it sold if it causes such environmental problems? Is it due to consumer demand? – that its a nice material to use, but without actually knowing the problem?
Is it appropriate to buy this product from wholesalers and to resell it? We think not. If you were aware of the problems it is causing would you? Also, would you then tell your customers how to dispose of this plant material correctly too? There are so many other materials available to us, that it is not necessary to buy and use it. The countryside as we know and love it needs help not more hindrance! If you have some you can use it safely when it is completely dried out. Any fresh material should be disposed of appropriately or burnt.
Interesting and thought provoking further information from:
www.rhs.org.uk/learning/research or request the RHS Invasive non-native species leaflet – chargeable.
www.defra.gov.uk alternatively a summary leaflet is available (PB10586)
www.cabi-bioscience.org/ISMIndex.asp
www.appliedvegetationdynamics.co.uk
A must have book for any florist,
flower arranger and gardener is
Poisonous Plants and Fungi,
available from our shop at a
reasonable £14.95!!
