Hi! Wanting to guerilla garden this winter by seed bombing and/or scattering wetland-type seeds into the water along pond edges — lined by invasives — in my city.
Wondering what people’s experiences have been with this?
I have hollow-stemmed Joe Pye Weed, common and swamp milkweed, tall meadowrue, but would love to hear experiences with this generally. Thanks!
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In the restoration field, it's estimated that only 10-30% of direct sown plantings succeed. While it's far more costly, planting plugs is 70-90% successful.
Invasives are called that for a reason, they cover soil, prevent native seeds from even sprouting. As much as we would like to believe that native plants will out-compete invasives, that isn't how it works.
Agree with this, especially if the invasives OP is talking about are phragmites.
I appreciate your heart is (mostly) in the right place. Is it possible to talk to anybody about: 1) controlling the invasives as a volunteer or working with a group? 2) talk about planting natives using a actual restoration process, e.g. working with an ecologist or parks department gardener, etc.?
Putting seeds in the ground won’t really work unless the invasive plants are removed or poisoned.
I guess if it is impossible to communicate with folks then act responsibly. But keep in mind whatever you do may be instantly undone by landscapers with mowers.
If it's a "random" public shoreline/wetland area in a city, these seeds will almost certainly be wasted. Most shorelines in my city are completely overrun with invasive species (Reed Canary Grass, Purple Loosestrife, Creeping Thistle, etc.)... And if the area is public and actually being managed for invasive species, I would definitely not sow seeds in the area (the people managing it will know more than you or I do).
Guerilla gardening, seed bombing, etc. definitely comes from a good place, but it most likely won't work unless you know the area very well, know pretty much exactly what is currently growing there, and can ensure that the site is prepared properly and will be managed (or has a lack of invasive species... which likely means it's being managed by someone... Or, if it's not being managed and doesn't have invasive species, means you probably should leave it be).
I ‘ seeded ‘ a local subdivisions stagnant & shallow lake with a handful of lotus seeds …..
They are now dominating the pond !