Background
Most of the MLUC grounds have not been upgraded for decades. Just as interior spaces are updated over time, exterior ones need it, too. Invasive plants are taking over and it’s all we can do to keep them at bay. The grounds were probably planted with the best practices at the time—pretty and low maintenance, but of almost no benefit to the life of everything from the tiniest insect to humans; green, but in many respects, dead.
You may have learned when the church’s Biodiversity Project was in full swing (April–June), that “natures best hope is you.” We have been (over the past few years) taking—and plan to continue to take—that message to heart here in the gardens at church.
“Join us and plant native to rebuild the ecosystems that support all life, and restore the vital connections between plants and animals for a healthier, thriving planet.” – Doug Tallamy Co-Founder, Homegrown National Park
Herbicide
Local organizations—like Natural Lands, which has more than 30 thriving native nature preserves—use herbicides responsibly as part of their toolbox. In many cases it’s the only tool feasible—e.g., to remove an acre of lesser celandine (a “severe invasive threat,” according to DCNR) from a forest floor. There is great science behind herbicides—what to use, the mechanism of action in the plant, how to use it, when to use it, etc. Great consideration goes into the decision.
Our Herbicide Decision
In making our herbicide decision, we worked with an experienced professional company, Landstudies, to plan out the removal of the invasives. Landstudies develops natural area plans and short- and long-term management strategies for many organizations, including Eastern University, and has been involved in projects or collaborations with Drexel University, Natural Lands, and Willistown Conservation Trust. Landstudies recently converted the grassy common space of the Radnor Inveraray neighborhood (across from the Willows) into a beautiful native meadow—maybe you drove by and saw the stunning yellow flowers this spring.
The chemical Landstudies used is only toxic until dry—two to three hours—and had “no soil activity,” meaning no negative impact on the soil now or ever.
WHY?
The vinca/myrtle/pachysandra/ivy are great!
Yes, we are all used to these lovely groundcover plants. The purple flowers of the vinca in the spring are wonderful, however, they only provide beauty and shelter. That’s it. All are on the DCNR Invasive Plant List as a 3, a lesser threat. These invasive plants will continue to outcompete any native species and ultimately lead to a reduction in native plants and the other native organisms that depend on them.
Our plan is to create a thriving garden that supports all life—where you can spot many unique pollinators, insects, butterflies, etc. It will be more beautiful with color and texture with plants such as:
- Christmas and Goldies Wood ferns
- Seersucker sedge
- Woodland phlox
- Stonecrop
- Alumroot
- Wild columbine
- Foam flower
- Blue Stem goldenrod
- Appalachian Mountain mint
- Wood geranium
- Virginia blue bells and
- Wood poppies.
It will be educational and inspiring with a path and some plant signs.
What about the good plants in that area?
We saved the good plants: sedges, wood poppies, bottlebrush buckeye shrubs, azalea.
- The big ones we protected/tied up/cut the lowest branches
- The little ones we removed before the spray and replanted them
- We transplanted the cedar shrub/tree to a better location (at the recommendation of a top local gardener) but it did not survive due to inadequate water/ transplant process
Timing
- Spring was the best time for applying the herbicide
- Fall is the best time for planting
- The “browning” of the area is part of the process
- Removing dead plant material is next
- We don’t want to expose the soil to harsh summer weather.
- We will remove dead debris soon, then mulch
- When available, new plants will be planted:
- Week of Sept 8: Eight types of plants
- Week of November 24: Two types of plants
- Week of March 30, 2026: Two types of plants
The bigger plan
This is the first part of a bigger plan to improve/update, year by year, other areas of the grounds, in manageable sized chunks. After this area is complete we’ll check back in to see if you’re happy with the result.
For further questions, contact the Garden Team leaders, Christy Parry and Leslie Bass, here.
Photo of Virginia Blue Bell by Bill D’Agostino