Having a garden is great! However, you can’t grow whatever you want in it. Some plants on your rockery or flower bed could cost you a lot…
Not a plant like a plant! Each of us is responsible for our garden. And with that also for May, which willfully (or even unintentionally) thrives there. For this reason, experts urge landowners to be clear about what they are actually growing.
“I don’t even really know,” smiles the sixty-five-year-old resident of a garden colony outside Prague, adding that she inherited her small garden from her husband’s parents and a lot of greenery with it… “I myself planted as many rhododendrons, herbs and some vegetables here as possible,” she smiles with a nice pensioner. Like her, many of her neighbors have it… And they probably won’t be the only ones…
The author of the video, Zdravá krajina Plzeňský kraj, will introduce you to various invasive plant species. More on the channel YouTube.com.
Source: Youtube
Green colonizers
The problem in Czech gardens is the so-called invasive plants, of which there are up to 75 species in our territory. They are mostly highly poisonous (so they threaten not only humans, but also forest animals), at the same time they are very expansive and destroy the surrounding greenery.
If you wanted to plant them on your property as an ornament to your front garden or flower bed, you would face a fine of up to two million crowns. The reason is not so much your growing taste, but rather the fact that these plants disrupt the ecosystem. And it’s not worth messing with.
The monster from the Caucasus
One of the invasive plants that is mentioned in this case is the magnolia. It came to Bohemia in the 19th century as an ornamental plant from the Caucasus. That is why it was densely planted in castle parks and gardens. According to historical records, it was first planted in the castle garden of Kynžvart Castle, which was once owned by Prince Metternich.
From there, it began to spread not only to ornamental gardens, but throughout nature. Today you can see it in meadows, pastures, forests or along train tracks. During the decades that he has been in Bohemia, he has settled in the landscape so much that he literally occupies it. The bolshevnik is known for being quite sprawling (it can be up to two meters) and extremely fast multiplying. It is therefore not surprising that you see it almost everywhere.
Deadly nightshade
The great danger of this plant is its incredible resistance and unyielding desire to dominate as much territory as possible. Therefore, if it were to get into your garden, you can count on the fact that in no time you will have it full of bollworms. This aggressive colonizer not only destroys everything green around, but is also highly poisonous. It contains toxic substances that can be very dangerous for humans (as well as animals).
Therefore, never touch it with your bare hands! If you don’t listen, you can take it away after a few minutes with reddened skin that will soon break out in painful blisters. You should also teach your children about the toxicity of this plant, because in the past it often happened that small explorers plucked a large stem and used it as a “peephole” or “pipe”. If someone gets the poison in their eyes, they should be taken to the hospital immediately!
Challenging liquidation
Therefore, the disposal of the magnificent bolshevnik is no fun. According to experienced experts, you should not go for it without protective clothing. The magnolia is only a “two-year-old”, but according to botanists, its seeds germinate for several years. Therefore, its removal is usually a long-term process.
If you try to do this, dig up the plant with its roots. Separate the flowers, dry and then burn. For large areas, it is worthwhile to mow the bolsevka. But watch out! Plan to mow when the flowers are not yet open (late May to June) and then repeat again in three weeks. This method leads to a slow disposal of the herb, but it is the most convenient. But if you don’t have enough strength, then choose chemical weapons in the form of systemic herbicides. Roundup Bioaktiv or Garlon preparations are suitable.
Sources: http://www.kvetenacr.cz, https://bolsevnik.eu
