Hort Society volunteers tackling bindweed

Last summer, the team of Creemore Horticultural Society volunteers noticed a problem with bindweed while tending the plants removed from the former Hort Park and awaiting their move to their new home in the Village Green gardens.

Bindweed is a non-toxic invasive weed that can strangle and eventually kill other plants. It originates from Europe and resembles Morning Glories in its vining characteristic, the shape of the pink and white flowers and the heart shaped, albeit smaller leaves.

Hort Society volunteers have spent many hours controlling this weed. To avoid further spread of the bindweed to both the new Village Green gardens and to residents’ gardens via plants purchased at the June 4 plant sale, a number of proactive measures are being taken.

The roots of any plant removed from the temporary holding beds are being washed thoroughly with water to remove the old soil and any roots from weeds that may be present before re-potting the plant in fresh, weed free soil. The plants are then stored on top of weed barrier cloth to prevent new contamination from bindweed roots that may be present in the ground. The freshly potted pots are then inspected daily for both bindweed and to ensure that they remain healthy and well watered.

The same treatment to control bindweed is also effective to prevent the spread of the latest invasive pest; the Asian Jumping Worm which has yet to be detected in the Creemore area.

John Sabiston,

President, Creemore Horticultural Society