Keeping invasive plants out of your garden

Andrew Mangwarara

A LODGE located in the Chicago suburb along the Bulawayo highway in Kwekwe, Beverly Hills Guest Lodge, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and lush vegetation.

Notably, there are certain invasive or alien plants that you will never find at this place, thanks to their meticulous attention to detail in landscaping.

Invasive or alien plants are exotic species that often spread fast, becoming weeds rather than beneficial additions to the areas they are introduced. These plants should never be introduced to your garden or any green-up project. Some of them may look beautiful but possess root systems that can lift foundations or produce poisonous berries that can harm children and pets alike.

Let us look at a few examples of which ones to avoid:

Bamboo: Perhaps the most well-known hyper-destructive plant, bamboo grows fast and spreads even faster. Its roots, known as rhizomes, are aggressive and can push through barriers like patios, sidewalks and even underground plumbing. If planted too close to a house, it can become nearly impossible to control and very expensive to remove. It is best to admire bamboo from afar in its natural habitats or keep it contained in large planters far away from your foundation.

Wisteria vines: These vines are stunning in bloom, but they are also strong climbers that can wrap themselves tightly around gutters and porch rails. Over time, they can pull apart wood and cause lasting damage to various structures. Their roots also spread widely and can compete with nearby plants. If you love wisteria and want to grow it, train it on a freestanding fence that is safely away from your home.

Fast-growing trees (for example, the Celtis africana, the Trichelia emetica and the eucalyptus): While they grow fast, their roots are always searching for water, often ending up in drainpipes, septic lines or foundation cracks. These roots can lift sidewalks, damage driveways and weaken your home’s structure over time. If you want a shade tree, choose one with slower growth and less aggressive roots and plant it far away from buildings.

Oleander: They may be drought-tolerant and easy to grow, but every part of the plant is highly toxic. That alone makes it risky to plant near areas where children or pets might wander. In addition, its size and dense growth can make it difficult to manage once mature. Keep it for wide, open spaces where it is less likely to cause direct harm or surprise contact.

Mint: Easy to grow and nice to have fresh whenever you want some, but it does not know when to stop. Once planted in the ground, it spreads fast through underground runners and can take over garden beds and nearby areas before you realise what has happened. If planted near your home, it will likely creep into places it is not welcome. To enjoy mint without the mess, grow it in containers and keep it on a porch or patio.

The right plant in the right place makes all the difference. When planning your yard or garden, think beyond a plant’s appearance and consider how they might affect your home in the long-term. With a little foresight, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a yard that both looks and functions beautifully.

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