Native plants are traditionally found in a specific region and have not been recently introduced through horticultural activity. They've adapted to their climate and hardiness zone over thousands of years, making them relatively maintenance-free once established. These plants are vital for local ecosystems and, when utilized by homeowners, can create a beautiful, low-maintenance wildlife haven.
Benefits of native plant gardens
Low maintenance - once established, native plants thrive with relatively little care. In fact, over tending to them can, in some cases, lead to their demise.
Habitat for birds and other wildlife - certain native plants can attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies to your backyard.
Water savers - after initial installation, native plants often require very little water. This saves water, money and time.
Biodiverse - introduced species such as broom, ivy, holly (to name a few) take over non cultivated or disturbed areas and often hinder the growth of native plants thereby reducing the abundance of plant types in the affected area.
Aesthetically pleasing - native plants such as flowering red currant, bleeding hearts, vanilla leaf, camas, sword ferns and lilies are a beautiful addition to any yard.
Unique - native plant gardening is gaining popularity on Vancouver Island. Start the trend in your neighbourhood. And don't be scared to experiment - adding natives to your existing landscape can improve interest!
Xeriscaping, which utilizes the planting of native plants, is a type of landscaping that aims to reduce or completely eliminate the need for watering. A properly xeriscaped yard can be lush and beautiful while saving you time and water. Xeriscaped yards are low-maintenance. Losing the lawn means less time mowing, watering and weeding.
Invasive Species are plants and animals that are not native to our local ecosystems. They are an ecological and economic threat, especially to a resource-based economy like British Columbia's. North Cowichan treats invasive species on a priority basis so the plants do not pose a hazard to our residents, pets, and local wildlife.
Next to habitat loss, invasive species are the biggest threat to biodiversity. Invasive species can impact:
Human health and safety
Our economy (Property values, industry, infrastructure and recreational opportunities)
Our animals (pets and livestock)
Our environment (ecosystems, wildlife and biodiversity)
The Municipality treats invasive plants on municipal lands on a priority basis so they do not pose a risk to our residents, pets, local wildlife or infrastructure. Staff also work with property owners to control invasive plant species that are listed in the Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw (Species listed below) when they are found on private lands. The Municipal Forestry Program also treats invasive plants to reduce fire hazards, improve sightlines along roads and help juvenile trees get established within the Municipal Forest Reserve.
Although many invasive species exist on Vancouver Island, North Cowichan is actively managing and/or monitoring the following plants on public and private lands:
These plants are prime examples of the damage invasive species can do to local ecosystems if left unchecked for too long Unfortunately, they have become so well established across Vancouver Island that complete eradication is now unlikely with current resources and funding. These species are therefore ranked lower in priority for treatment in comparison to plants that are either new to the area, toxic or present human health risks. They are generally treated only when found in or adjacent to sensitive ecosystems or if other values are at risk.
The Municipality of North Cowichan is not responsible for removing invasive plants on private property but staff can help with identifying plants and provide resources that will help you eradicate them. The Municipality’s Nuisance Abatement and Cost Recovery Bylaw requires property owners to control the 7 invasive species listed above. Although there are many invasive species present on Vancouver Island, only ones specifically listed as noxious weeds within the Bylaw are actively pursued and enforced by staff. The appointed weed control officer may issue a notice to owners of properties that have noxious weeds on them, in order to follow the provisions listed in the Provincial Weed Control Act and Weed Control Regulation.
Do your best to accurately identify which species it is. If you have confirmed it as an invasive species, report invasive species sightings to the provincial government. You can also contact staff at the Municipal Hall for help with species identification and developing appropriate management strategies.
If weeds growing in gutter lines, asphalt cracks, and sidewalk expansion joints are left unchecked they can damage the road and sidewalk surfaces and create a safety hazard. The Municipality's weed control program for cracks and crevices intended to reduce damage from weed growth in these areas. While the Municipality endeavours to reduce or eliminate the non-essential use of chemical pesticides on municipally owned lands, certain plant species and situations still warrant their use. Herbicide is applied directly on plants in the spring (usually around May) by qualified contractors in compliance with provincial regulations.
North Cowichan residents can contact the Operations Department at 250-746-3106 to be placed on a notification list. Residents on this list will be called in advance of herbicide applications to give them an opportunity to manually remove weeds adjacent to their property.