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This is such a great topic for our discussion, because every gardener at one time or another, or perhaps frequently, has faced this quandary. Does the grower’s label say the plant is “vigorous”? Sometimes we purchase a plant knowing it will spread because we want a groundcover, or we want to increase our stock of that plant. Other times we knowingly or unknowingly plant an annual or a perennial that prolifically self-seeds the next season. This can be a very welcome outcome because these plants often sprout in just the right locations where we have empty spaces. Nature can create a rhythm and pattern of beautiful colors. On the other hand, at what point is “more” too much? And that’s the point: it can be a matter of personal taste and whether your garden space can accommodate the bounty. If not, it might take some work removing the unwanted excess. Sometimes it’s very easy to lift up unwanted seedlings, in other cases plants can have deep tap roots that make it more difficult. What about plants native to the U.S.? Some say that by definition a native cannot be described as invasive. But is that true?
Here are some topics we’ll discuss:
- Which annuals will return next season by self-seeding?
- Which perennials increase by self-seeding, underground spreading, multiplication of tubers/bulbs, and spores?
- Which plants are considered “invasive” and how do we define invasive?
- Which native plants self-seed prolifically?
- Which seedlings or plants are easy or difficult to remove?
- What is the best and/or easiest time to remove unwanted seedlings and plants and why?
- Which plants are welcome spreaders and which not-so-welcome?
We’ll begin the program with a slide show of examples of such plants that grow well on the East End, and a list of common self-seeders, spreaders, and invasives will be distributed to attendees. Perhaps you will have plants to add to the list!
We welcome all samples for show and tell as well as your own experiences and questions. By the end of the program, if there are attendees who have additional questions about these or any other garden topics, please feel free to stay a while longer and talk to one of our knowledgeable members.
Moderated by Pamela Harwood
HAH John LoGerfo Library
Bridgehampton Community House, Ground Floor
2357 Montauk Highway
Bridgehampton, NY 11932
(Enter from the School Street parking lot, next door to Book Bay)
