Skip to content

Crop up? Chop down

We’ve arrived at the time of year when invasive species are on the minds of many Vancouver Islanders. As much as they may have sprouted like dandelions in the past month, election campaign signs are not one of them.
web1_170425-PQN-M-PQN-Commentary

We’ve arrived at the time of year when invasive species are on the minds of many Vancouver Islanders. As much as they may have sprouted like dandelions in the past month, election campaign signs are not one of them.

The mid-Island’s recent harsh winter and the late arrival of a real spring have left us with the bizarre juxtaposition of daffodils flowering in May — while Scotch broom is not.

But the broom’s blooms are definitely on the way, along with burdock, gorse and possibly, in a worst-case scenario, Japanese knotweed and/or giant hogweed.

The Invasive Species Council of B.C. has designated May as Invasive Species Action Month. It is promoting awareness of our province’s most trouble non-native plants (and animals) and urging a fight on two fronts: property owners and volunteer organizations should work to eradicate those plants that have already taken hold, and spring gardeners should carefully research and select new plants while avoiding potential troublemakers.

The Oceanside chapter of Broombusters, one of the organization’s highest achievers, is on the case. Though Broombusters’ catch phrase is “Cut broom in bloom,” local volunteers hit the roadside last weekend to start their season ahead of the riot of yellow blossoms that normally dominate the landscape by now.

In a nod toward the realities of our 2017 climate calendar, they have pushed back their annual Broomfest from this weekend to a new date on May 27.

Grab some gloves and a pair of loppers and join the fun.

But between now and May 9, at least, be selective with the cutting.

At least one local political campaign has been beset by eager choppers who have treated some campaign signs like troublesome weeds, not only pulling the signs out, but carting them off as well.

We’re not talking about victims of a heavy wind. One of the signs was a 4-x-8-foot behemoth, and the sign of a rival candidate has gone up in the location.

The candidate said those dots are not necessarily connected — “Maybe it’s just a good location for a sign” — but was disappointed.

We all should be. Democracy works best when it’s inclusive and brings us together. If you want to isolate and separate something, take aim at those weeds.

— Parksville Qualicum Beach News