‘Ticking time bomb’ at Bunnings that could put you at risk—find out what it is before your next visit!
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As we age, we often find solace in the tranquillity of our gardens. It's a place where we can cultivate beauty and enjoy the fruits of our labour.
However, a recent warning has emerged for all green thumbs and weekend warriors who frequent Bunnings, the beloved hardware store that's become a staple for Australian DIY enthusiasts.
A seemingly innocent household item sold at Bunnings has been flagged as a 'ticking time bomb' that could wreak havoc on our cherished environment.
The item in question is none other than the English Ivy, known botanically as Hedera Helix.
This climbing vine, while popular for its lush foliage and versatility, has been identified by environmental campaigners as a potential threat to Australia's natural waterways and native bushlands.
The Invasive Species Council, with Acting CEO Jack Gough at the helm, has expressed disappointment that such a plant is readily available at many retailers and plant nurseries.
‘I think most Australians would be horrified to know that the plants that they could go and pick up [from the local nursery] could actually be an environmental disaster,’ Mr Gough stated.
He highlighted the difficulty for the average person to discern which plants might cause irreversible damage to the natural environment without extensive botanical knowledge.
‘It means that so many of Australia's backyards are actually ticking time bombs for our environment,’ he continued.
‘The crazy thing is, when it comes to plants like English Ivy or gazanias, the industry themselves have assessed them as of high weed potential and they're still being sold in nurseries.’
Mr Gough criticised Australia's lax regulations, which have enabled the garden industry to sell plants classified as weeds.
He urged Australians to sign a petition to ban the sale of plants that cause harmful weeds.
And the concern is not unfounded; English Ivy has a notorious reputation for its aggressive growth. Its roots spread rapidly, and it can thrive in a wide variety of habitats and soils.
The species is known to invade other plants and possesses the strength to topple large trees, posing a significant risk to biodiversity.
The impact of invasive garden plants like English Ivy is not just ecological but also economic, costing Australia's agriculture industry over $4.3 billion annually.
Despite these concerns, Cam Rist, the Director of Merchandise at Bunnings, has assured everyone that the retailer complies with all relevant biosecurity regulations.
‘Like many nurseries and retailers, we sell a wide range of locally sourced plants across our stores, and we work hard to create an assortment that caters to customer preferences and demand,’ Mr Rist stated.
Bunnings encouraged shoppers to read the labels on plant items to determine their suitability for their gardens but has not yet commented further.
While our gardens offer tranquillity and a sense of accomplishment, this issue has raised concerns for green thumbs.
Our natural landscapes are a fundamental part of our national identity; however, a recent ABC Rural report has highlighted a troubling issue that could threaten these ecosystems: the sale of invasive weeds by major Australian nurseries, including the retail giant Bunnings.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you encountered any issues with invasive plants in your garden? How do you make your plant choices? Let's discuss in the comments below and help each other make informed decisions that protect our environment for future generations.
However, a recent warning has emerged for all green thumbs and weekend warriors who frequent Bunnings, the beloved hardware store that's become a staple for Australian DIY enthusiasts.
A seemingly innocent household item sold at Bunnings has been flagged as a 'ticking time bomb' that could wreak havoc on our cherished environment.
The item in question is none other than the English Ivy, known botanically as Hedera Helix.
This climbing vine, while popular for its lush foliage and versatility, has been identified by environmental campaigners as a potential threat to Australia's natural waterways and native bushlands.
The Invasive Species Council, with Acting CEO Jack Gough at the helm, has expressed disappointment that such a plant is readily available at many retailers and plant nurseries.
Bunnings was urged to ban English Ivy plants due to their potential environmental threat. Credit: Bunnings Warehouse
‘I think most Australians would be horrified to know that the plants that they could go and pick up [from the local nursery] could actually be an environmental disaster,’ Mr Gough stated.
He highlighted the difficulty for the average person to discern which plants might cause irreversible damage to the natural environment without extensive botanical knowledge.
‘It means that so many of Australia's backyards are actually ticking time bombs for our environment,’ he continued.
‘The crazy thing is, when it comes to plants like English Ivy or gazanias, the industry themselves have assessed them as of high weed potential and they're still being sold in nurseries.’
Mr Gough criticised Australia's lax regulations, which have enabled the garden industry to sell plants classified as weeds.
He urged Australians to sign a petition to ban the sale of plants that cause harmful weeds.
And the concern is not unfounded; English Ivy has a notorious reputation for its aggressive growth. Its roots spread rapidly, and it can thrive in a wide variety of habitats and soils.
The species is known to invade other plants and possesses the strength to topple large trees, posing a significant risk to biodiversity.
The impact of invasive garden plants like English Ivy is not just ecological but also economic, costing Australia's agriculture industry over $4.3 billion annually.
Despite these concerns, Cam Rist, the Director of Merchandise at Bunnings, has assured everyone that the retailer complies with all relevant biosecurity regulations.
‘Like many nurseries and retailers, we sell a wide range of locally sourced plants across our stores, and we work hard to create an assortment that caters to customer preferences and demand,’ Mr Rist stated.
Bunnings encouraged shoppers to read the labels on plant items to determine their suitability for their gardens but has not yet commented further.
While our gardens offer tranquillity and a sense of accomplishment, this issue has raised concerns for green thumbs.
Our natural landscapes are a fundamental part of our national identity; however, a recent ABC Rural report has highlighted a troubling issue that could threaten these ecosystems: the sale of invasive weeds by major Australian nurseries, including the retail giant Bunnings.
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