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West Australian
19-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Nicola Barton: The hidden dark side of our ‘wholesome' houseplant habit
When I moved into my first rental, I did what most twenty-somethings do to make a place feel like home: I filled it with plants. There were monsteras perched on the shelves, devil's ivy dangling artfully from macrame hangers and English ivy already curling up the balcony trellis, giving the place that overgrown, cottage-like charm. I thought I was doing something good. Making my place greener. Connecting to nature in a small way. It looked lush and it felt wholesome. Then I learned an uncomfortable truth and my view changed completely. English ivy (Hedera helix), as it turns out, isn't a pretty trailing vine. It's a serious invasive weed in parts of Australia. It spreads quickly, climbs aggressively and strangles trees. It's one of hundreds of ornamental species, including popular houseplants, that have made the leap from gardens into the bush and are now causing serious harm. The more I learned, the more I started to notice it. Ivy tangled around gums. Mother in law's tongue creating spiked barren swaths in drier forests and grasslands. Gazanias completely overtaking beach dune systems. Arum lilies choking out creeks. The same plants I once thought of as low-effort greenery, out here, disrupting ecosystems and threatening already-vulnerable wildlife. I didn't know any of this when I bought them — and I'm not alone. Australia has more than 30,000 introduced plant species. At least 3000 of them have become naturalised weeds and many of the worst offenders were first introduced through nurseries, gardens and houseplants. They were planted or dumped, they escaped and now our environment is paying the price. It's hard not to feel angry. How are we supposed to protect nature when the very plants threatening it are sold as 'low-maintenance ground covers' and 'house companion''? Currently, there's no national rule to stop weedy plants from being sold in the first place. Instead, we wait until a species becomes a serious problem, then sometimes we ban it — by which point it's often already widespread and near-impossible to control. The Invasive Species Council is campaigning for a nationally co-ordinated permitted list approach. It's a simple shift: instead of assuming all plants are safe unless proven otherwise, we do the opposite. Only those garden and house plants assessed as low-risk can be sold or imported. It's how we could stop the next lantana before it escapes into the bush. We also need a national strategy to mitigate the damage caused by invasive plants already entrenched in our landscapes. Many of these plants continue to be sold, despite their destructive potential. Without a co-ordinated approach, we're effectively throwing millions into the losing battle of weed control, all while still stocking shelves with the very problem we're trying to eliminate. I still have plants in my home, but now I know where they come from and what they might do if they escape the pot. I've researched what's locally native to me. I talk to my friends and family about it. It's a small shift, but an important one. This isn't a blame game or for guilting people about what's planted in their gardens. It's about smarter rules, clearer information and leadership from government. Because the bush we walk through on weekends — the places we go to feel grounded and breathe — deserve better than to be quietly smothered by plants never meant to be there. If we're serious about protecting nature, we need to start in our own backyards. Nicola Barton is a media officer at the Invasive Species Council
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- General
- Perth Now
The hidden dark side of our ‘wholesome' houseplant habit
When I moved into my first rental, I did what most twenty-somethings do to make a place feel like home: I filled it with plants. There were monsteras perched on the shelves, devil's ivy dangling artfully from macrame hangers and English ivy already curling up the balcony trellis, giving the place that overgrown, cottage-like charm. I thought I was doing something good. Making my place greener. Connecting to nature in a small way. It looked lush and it felt wholesome. Then I learned an uncomfortable truth and my view changed completely. English ivy (Hedera helix), as it turns out, isn't a pretty trailing vine. It's a serious invasive weed in parts of Australia. It spreads quickly, climbs aggressively and strangles trees. It's one of hundreds of ornamental species, including popular houseplants, that have made the leap from gardens into the bush and are now causing serious harm. The more I learned, the more I started to notice it. Ivy tangled around gums. Mother in law's tongue creating spiked barren swaths in drier forests and grasslands. Gazanias completely overtaking beach dune systems. Arum lilies choking out creeks. The same plants I once thought of as low-effort greenery, out here, disrupting ecosystems and threatening already-vulnerable wildlife. I didn't know any of this when I bought them — and I'm not alone. Australia has more than 30,000 introduced plant species. At least 3000 of them have become naturalised weeds and many of the worst offenders were first introduced through nurseries, gardens and houseplants. They were planted or dumped, they escaped and now our environment is paying the price. It's hard not to feel angry. How are we supposed to protect nature when the very plants threatening it are sold as 'low-maintenance ground covers' and 'house companion''? Currently, there's no national rule to stop weedy plants from being sold in the first place. Instead, we wait until a species becomes a serious problem, then sometimes we ban it — by which point it's often already widespread and near-impossible to control. The Invasive Species Council is campaigning for a nationally co-ordinated permitted list approach. It's a simple shift: instead of assuming all plants are safe unless proven otherwise, we do the opposite. Only those garden and house plants assessed as low-risk can be sold or imported. It's how we could stop the next lantana before it escapes into the bush. If we're serious about protecting nature, we need to start in our own backyards. We also need a national strategy to mitigate the damage caused by invasive plants already entrenched in our landscapes. Many of these plants continue to be sold, despite their destructive potential. Without a co-ordinated approach, we're effectively throwing millions into the losing battle of weed control, all while still stocking shelves with the very problem we're trying to eliminate. I still have plants in my home, but now I know where they come from and what they might do if they escape the pot. I've researched what's locally native to me. I talk to my friends and family about it. It's a small shift, but an important one. This isn't a blame game or for guilting people about what's planted in their gardens. It's about smarter rules, clearer information and leadership from government. Because the bush we walk through on weekends — the places we go to feel grounded and breathe — deserve better than to be quietly smothered by plants never meant to be there. If we're serious about protecting nature, we need to start in our own backyards. Nicola Barton is a media officer at the Invasive Species Council
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
The common plant you need to rip out of your garden immediately – it destroys buildings, but it's not Japanese knotweed
SOME plants are easier to control in your garden than others, but there's one common plant that can destroy buildings if it's not dealt with fast. 3 Ivy can grow vigorously, potentially damaging walls and even trees Credit: Getty 3 If you love the plant it can also be kept as a houseplant Credit: Getty There are actually two here are two species of of the plant which are native to Britain - Hedera helix (Common or English Ivy) and Hedera hibernica (Atlantic or Irish Ivy). The main difference is that the latter won't climb up walls and trees, but rather sprawls along the ground. Although it's not technically classed as an invasive plant here in the UK, it can be pretty problematic due to it's vigorous growth. Speaking on an episode of the READ MORE ON GARDENING "However, if you've got any deterioration in the construction, then it is tempting for ivy to root into gaps, and this is what you want to avoid.' It's not just Homeowners might also be left in a sticky situation if they do find damage because of the plant, since insurance claims could be reject on the grounds of neglect. Because of this, if you do want to keep the plant regular maintenance is a must, this includes proper pruning and soil checks. Most read in Fabulous However, gardeners should always check for wildlife first, as the plant can act as shelter for nesting birds and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's illegal to destroy, or even damage, an active wild bird's nest. HOW TO GET RID OF IVY Gena Lorainne, a gardening expert at 'It drives me wild, you just can't get rid of it' pro gardener reveals the nightmare weed every UK home is at risk of As a result, she shared her three tips that will ensure that you get rid of ivy, and for good. Get digging The pro explained that to say goodbye to ivy, you need to dig it out from the root. She advised: 'The best way to remove ivy from a wall is to cut through the stem with a sharp saw and then dig out the root. 'Once the foliage has died, you can carefully remove the stuck-on stems with a wire brush. If it covers the ground, dig it up with a mattock or fork and dispose of it elsewhere. 'Alternatively, if the ground does not need to be planted, remove all the top growth, cover it with weed-control fabric, and add some mulch 10cm to 15cm deep.' Spray it In addition to this, Gena advised that English ivy can also be sprayed with However, gardeners should be extremely careful when using this as it can kill any nearby plants. The gardening pro shared: 'It will kill anything it touches. "Spray lightly so the weed killer does not drop off the leaves, or, even better, crush and damage the leaves before spraying so they can absorb more weedkiller.' Mix it up Finally, Gena shared another way to get rid of ivy - a simple homemade solution. Gena continued: 'Pour 80 percent water and 20 percent vinegar into a container. Ensure that you don't harm any other plants while spraying the ivy plants. 'Observe the results after a few days. Remove any dead ivy and reapply the same solution as needed.' The acetic acid can help target and dry out the roots, making white vinegar an effective plant and weed killer. Similar to weed killers, white vinegar and water should never be sprayed close to other plants as it will kill them. 3 Gardenrs should always check for wildlife before removing Ivy Credit: Getty Gardening mistakes that could get you fined Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues. Tree removal and pruning : If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. " While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. 'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn. The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer. Property boundaries and fences : One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries 'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. 'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance. "Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.' Garden structures and additions : A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade. But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures. 'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts. Overhanging branches and plants : 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros. However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing. You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
The common plant you need to rip out of your garden immediately – it destroys buildings, but it's not Japanese knotweed
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus, the steps you need to take to get rid of it for good ACT FAST The common plant you need to rip out of your garden immediately – it destroys buildings, but it's not Japanese knotweed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOME plants are easier to control in your garden than others, but there's one common plant that can destroy buildings if it's not dealt with fast. English ivy has a bit of a bad reputation, but it's for a good reason - it can strangle trees and even grow up to 80 feet high. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ivy can grow vigorously, potentially damaging walls and even trees Credit: Getty 3 If you love the plant it can also be kept as a houseplant Credit: Getty There are actually two here are two species of of the plant which are native to Britain - Hedera helix (Common or English Ivy) and Hedera hibernica (Atlantic or Irish Ivy). The main difference is that the latter won't climb up walls and trees, but rather sprawls along the ground. Although it's not technically classed as an invasive plant here in the UK, it can be pretty problematic due to it's vigorous growth. Speaking on an episode of the Gardens Illustrated podcast, Katy Merrington, Cultural Gardener at The Hepworth Wakefield, explained: 'If you have a sturdy structure, then ivy attaches superficially to the surface and does no damage. "However, if you've got any deterioration in the construction, then it is tempting for ivy to root into gaps, and this is what you want to avoid.' It's not just exterior walls that could be cause for concern though, the popular plant can also dislodge roof tiles and even pull gutters from walls. Homeowners might also be left in a sticky situation if they do find damage because of the plant, since insurance claims could be reject on the grounds of neglect. Because of this, if you do want to keep the plant regular maintenance is a must, this includes proper pruning and soil checks. However, gardeners should always check for wildlife first, as the plant can act as shelter for nesting birds and under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's illegal to destroy, or even damage, an active wild bird's nest. HOW TO GET RID OF IVY Gena Lorainne, a gardening expert at Fantastic Services, explained how simply pulling the plant away from the wall isn't enough, since it has extremely sticky roots. 'It drives me wild, you just can't get rid of it' pro gardener reveals the nightmare weed every UK home is at risk of As a result, she shared her three tips that will ensure that you get rid of ivy, and for good. Get digging The pro explained that to say goodbye to ivy, you need to dig it out from the root. She advised: 'The best way to remove ivy from a wall is to cut through the stem with a sharp saw and then dig out the root. 'Once the foliage has died, you can carefully remove the stuck-on stems with a wire brush. If it covers the ground, dig it up with a mattock or fork and dispose of it elsewhere. 'Alternatively, if the ground does not need to be planted, remove all the top growth, cover it with weed-control fabric, and add some mulch 10cm to 15cm deep.' Spray it In addition to this, Gena advised that English ivy can also be sprayed with weed killer which contains glyphosate. However, gardeners should be extremely careful when using this as it can kill any nearby plants. The gardening pro shared: 'It will kill anything it touches. "Spray lightly so the weed killer does not drop off the leaves, or, even better, crush and damage the leaves before spraying so they can absorb more weedkiller.' Mix it up Finally, Gena shared another way to get rid of ivy - a simple homemade solution. Gena continued: 'Pour 80 percent water and 20 percent vinegar into a container. Ensure that you don't harm any other plants while spraying the ivy plants. 'Observe the results after a few days. Remove any dead ivy and reapply the same solution as needed.' The acetic acid can help target and dry out the roots, making white vinegar an effective plant and weed killer. Similar to weed killers, white vinegar and water should never be sprayed close to other plants as it will kill them. 3 Gardenrs should always check for wildlife before removing Ivy Credit: Getty
