Invasive Plants

**Wayne Mezitt waynem@WestonNurseries.com>**

Judging from the range of discussions about invasive plants, there is
considerable disagreement, confusion and misunderstanding on this issue. It
does not well-serve the garden writer profession, and we are not acting as
effective communicators, if we pass along a confusing message. As a member
of the GWAA, I believe we all have a professional obligation to become
better informed about invasive plants, and then to present the opportunities
and consequences of action or inactivity clearly to our
readers/listeners/viewers. 
It seems to me that the issues surrounding invasive plants would be an
entirely appropriate focus for future GWAA meetings, both nationally and
regionally. Last week I received the program for the August 2-6 GWAA 54th
Annual Symposium in Seattle. This year's program includes no topics or tours
that feature invasive plants. In retrospect, this would have been
particularly appropriate for this year, since Sarah Reichard, one of the
leaders in developing models for identifying invasive potential in plants,
teaches at the University of Washington in Seattle. Also, Dan Hinkley at
Heronswood Nursery which is one of the tour sites, has become particularly
concerned with invasive plants, because his fundamental business mission is
to collect and introduce potentially valuable new plants to the world. He
would certainly share his views on the topic, if asked. 
Developing future programs around invasives would enable our members to
interact with experts and explore the scope of the issues with those who
best understand them. The issues could be defined and outcomes/consequences
thoughtfully explored so all of us could separate the facts from opinions.
Without question these experts, many of whom attended last December's
conference at the Missouri Botanical Garden (see
<http://www.mobot.org/iss/>), would welcome the opportunity to confer with
garden communicators. Presented in a professional symposium format,
important information would become available for all of us to utilize in
presenting the whole picture to our "publics". 
Whether we personally like it or not, the issue of invasive plants is upon
us. I believe we have a professional obligation to communicate this to the
gardening public, as well as other "stakeholders", in a manner that is clear
and understandable. What matters in this discussion is less what we feel
personally, and more how the public is served. Those to whom we communicate
need to have access to information upon which to make their own judgments,
rather than be guided solely by the views of the author. 

Wayne Mezitt
Weston Nurseries
Hopkinton, MA
WayneM@WestonNurseries.com
508-293-8046

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