Review ratings scale: *** Excellent. ** Good. * Poor.
OVERALL RATING **
This guide to selecting non-invasive plants is more a booklet than book, yet packs quite a bit of info on the baddies that strangle our trees (English and Irish ivy), displace native plants (various brooms from across the Atlantic Ocean) or are prickly (albeit delicious) and ubiquitous (Himalayan and Armenian blackberry). Besides that, it provides alternatives to the plants your conscience won't allow you to have.
This 52-page publication, illustrated with color photos, outlines more than 25 of the most commonly invasive plants in Oregon. Some of these are surprising, such as purple pampas grass and butterfly bush. I admit to planting two of the latter in my yard about 10 years ago (one of them died, hallelujah!). I planted fennel not knowing until two years later that it was invasive, even in my parking-strip plot! (The bulb-forming varieties are not invasive, the booklet says.)
Yes, education is the best defense. If people know what not to plant, then they can help improve the environment and sustain native species.
Along with each plant to avoid, the booklet offers two lists of alternatives: natives and non-native ornamentals, with helpful symbols noting their cultural needs. So instead of planting a butterfly bush, you can choose among natives such as mock orange or ornamentals such as Meyer lilac. Bonus: If you want more, the publication also lists Web sites to visit.
Surely this is relevant for anyone who cares about the natural environment. What nags at me is that invasive plants, such as English ivy, Scotch broom and others, have already done so much damage. And with seeds spreading so quickly, the damage continues daily.
REGIONAL INTEREST ***
Most definitely regional, addressing invasive plants all over Oregon. The booklet is a collaboration among such groups as Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services, The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Public Broadcasting and the Oregon State University Extension Service.
THE BOTTOM LINE: "GardenSmart Oregon" can be downloaded online at tinyurl.com. Or order a printed copy online or by calling 800-561-6719 ($3 shipping and handling fee applies). Local county offices of the OSU Extension Service have copies available at no charge.
-- Ann Robinson; firstname.lastname@example.org