Community groups (such as NRM groups, Landcare organisations etc) have an important role to play in the adoption of the key messages of Grow Me Instead. The establishment of the national Grow Me Instead website provides information on invasive plants and their non-invasive alternatives for all Australian states and territories. The main aim of Grow Me Instead is to facilitate cultural change amongst the industry and gardening public. The GMI guides and this website provide an excellent starting point by identifying a range of plants that are common in urban landscapes yet considered invasive. By providing a number of superior alternative plants we encourage people to think before selecting plants and to choose the non-invasive option.
Community groups offer a crucial link between programs like Grow Me Instead and the general public. As a provider of sound environmental advice it is hoped that all community groups will promote of the website along with the key principals of Grow Me Instead. This program aims for a raised awareness of invasive plants and it is hoped that increased community knowledge will see a reduction in both the demand and supply of invasive species.
When selecting plants, there is always a non-invasive option. Let's embrace this fantastic opportunity to do the right thing by the environment and only promote non-invasive plants.