State-based Grow Me Instead booklets launched at MIFGS
The nursery and garden industry is proud to announce the release of its Grow Me Instead booklets, launched in Melbourne on April 1 in conjunction with the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIGFS).
In championing this initiative, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) is taking a significant step forward in tackling one the of the nation’s most serious environmental problems – the spread of environmental weeds.
These booklets, as part of the Grow Me Instead program, contain lists of plants which were formerly grown and sold to gardeners and have since ‘jumped the garden fence’ and become invasive in the natural environment. The lists were developed by NGIA in partnership with the Department of Primary Industry, the Catchment Management Authorities, local government, and various other environmental weed agencies.
The aim of the booklets and the Grow Me Instead program as a whole is to educate gardeners to recognise and remove the plants listed and replace them with superior, suitable alternatives.
This important step in preventing the spread of environmental weeds is a vital public education program. By selecting plants carefully, using these lists for guidance and encouraging others to do the same, you will be significantly helping the environment.
Dr Anthony Kachenko, NGIA Environmental and Technical Policy Manager, says the Grow Me Instead initiative will ensure industry remains proactive in discouraging the promotion of invasive species across whole of industry.
"This educational resource, which has been developed in collaboration with the Federal Government, will foster effective communication links between producers and consumers to raise awareness of invasive plant issues and how to effectively manage these undesirable species.”
It is estimated the spread of weeds costs the Australian agricultural industry around $4 billion a year. The real cost of weeds to the environment is difficult to calculate, however it is likely to be at least equal to that of the cost for agriculture.
“It is imperative that industry continues to nurture close ties with external stakeholders to minimise the threat of invasive plants and protect the natural environment for future generations,” Dr Kachenko continues.
To obtain copies of Grow Me Instead booklets for New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, or Northern Territory contact your state Nursery & Garden Industry Association.
The Grow Me Instead booklets for Queensland are currently under development and will be released later in the year.
Delwyn Thomas of Nursery & Garden Industry Australia launches the Grow Me Instead booklets at the Horticultural Media Association dinner on April 1. The dinner ran in conjunction with the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS).
