Many of the plants in our gardens and ponds are not native to Britain – they have been introduced from all over the world. While they can help us to create beautiful ornamental displays to enjoy, some can become invasive non-native species if they spread beyond your garden border.

Invasive non-native plants harm native wildlife and the environment, the economy, and even our health and the way we live, for example by:

• crowding out native plants which other species rely on for food and shelter
• changing soil conditions and nutrient levels
• spreading plant diseases which threaten native species
• damaging buildings and infrastructure and interfering with agriculture and utilities
• clogging waterways, harming the ecosystem and interfering with activities we enjoy such as fishing, sailing or paddling

The impact they can have is extensive and may be irreversible, and trying to remove them from natural habitats is expensive and difficult. Pond and aquarium plants are particularly invasive if they spread into a natural water body.

Thankfully there are simple things that gardeners can do to help prevent this. If you are planning to clear out your garden over the next few months, or thinking about your planting for next year, remember to Be Plant Wise to help protect the environment:

Know what you grow

Choose the right plants for your garden, pond and water features. Download a free guide to plants to use in place of invasive non-native species. 

Stop the spread

Keep your plants in your garden - don't plant them, or allow them to grow, in the wild. You could be breaking the law if you do, learn more about restrictions on non-native plants.

Compost with care

Dispose of your unwanted plants, roots, weeds, seeds, and seed heads responsibly.

Home composting is environmentally-friendly and the compost will benefit your garden. Remember to keep an eye out for regrowth in your compost heap and make sure it is broken down properly before using it in your garden.

Alternatively, most garden plants can go in your council garden waste bin if you have one but be aware that some invasive plants have extra controls around their disposal. Find out which invasive plants can't be composted and how to dispose of them safely. 

For more information and tips, visit the Be Plant Wise webpages.