A Redditor from South Carolina was fed up with a specific commercial practice and vented about it on r/gardening.
"Today I bought Mexican petunia from a guy because I have a butterfly garden and I was looking for milkweed," wrote the original poster. "He said I don't have that but you should get some Mexican petunia because butterflies and hummingbirds love it. So I bought one, not knowing that it's a super aggressive and invasive plant."
Thankfully, the OP learned of the plant's invasive qualities before planting it, but the frustration remained. "If I didn't do my research, I'd be planting a nightmare with the Mexican petunia," they wrote.
Invasive species are a real threat to biodiversity. They are usually introduced to new areas through human activities, much like this retail experience. The Mexican petunia made its way to Florida sometime around the 1940s for ornamental purposes.
When a species is removed from the habitat it evolved for, it's no longer subject to the checks and balances of its native ecosystem. In a new area, it can outcompete the native life and establish a monopoly on vital resources, such as food and space. Over time, this forces out the native species and causes a decline in biodiversity.
Thriving ecosystems also benefit humans. One study found that the damage invasive species do to biodiversity costs the world hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Rewilding your lawn with native species, as the OP did, is a great way to prevent this kind of damage. They require less maintenance since they're suited to the climate and provide much-needed homes for local pollinators.
The Reddit community was as frustrated as the OP by this experience.
"Yup. I find conventional nurseries know horticulture but not ecology. And they'd rather just sell you what they have," said one user.
"I ran into a forest ranger who was leading a crew pulling out a noxious invasive grass, and realized I had bought that for my front yard at a big box home improvement store," said another. "I have now pulled it out, but why do they sell it? I guess it's job security for the ranger."
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
|
Should homeowners associations be able to determine what you grow in your garden?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Yes 💯 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
