One of the easiest and most effective weed management techniques, that is often overlooked until it is too late, is to simply not plant an invasive in your garden or landscaping.
Many noxious weeds that are present in Archuleta County were introduced first by settlers in their garden such as common mullein, common tansy, dames rocket and yellow toadflax. These species escaped ornamentation into natural areas where they reduce forage for animals, displace native plant species and compete in post-fire environments.
Some gardeners chose to turn a blind eye and claim that the plants “aren’t invasive in my yard”; however, this winter I spotted myrtle spurge growing along the banks of the San Juan. The nearest population is several blocks away and there are no intermediate populations or even single plants. Just because you can’t see the plants escaping ornamentation doesn’t mean that they aren’t.
Our global economy means that you can buy any plant from across the world and plant it in your own yard, simply for aesthetics or a different human use. When these plants escape and become invasive, they result in the homogenization of our ecosystems. Our landscapes are valuable not just to humans, but to insects, birds and other animals because of the diversity they contain.
Wildlife in the San Juans evolved in conjunction with the plants here, and they need them to thrive. Insects in particular often need a host species to survive and make up the largest group of animal classification.
So, how do you know when you are shopping for new plants if they are invasive or not? Luckily, nurseries around Pagosa don’t typically stock noxious weeds, and when they do by accident, they remove them from the shelves when notified. Asking staff if a certain plant is native will also help as native plants cannot be listed as noxious or considered invasive, or requesting that the nursery stock more natives if they currently do not. Not all non-native plants are invasive, such as daffodils and Russian sage. Both species can spread and increase their foothold in a garden, but are typically not seen escaping ornamentation.
To better educate yourself on noxious weed species before planning your new garden additions, visit the Colorado Department of Ag or Archuleta County website, or swing by the Archuleta County Weed and Pest office and pick up a copy of the Colorado Weed Management Association’s “Noxious Weeds of Colorado” booklet.
Archuleta County Weed and Pest is your local resource for managing noxious weed populations and controlling other pests.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
Introduction to
Landscaping in Archuleta County
CSU Extension is joining the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership and Archuleta County Weed and Pest to offer an introduction to landscaping in Archuleta County on June 7 at 10 a.m. at the Native Plant Garden next to the greenhouse domes.
It is free and no preregistration is required. During this free class for the public, participants will discover gardening with native plants, and learn about the plants and animals that might visit your gardens.
Vermiculture workshop
Join Archuleta County CSU Extension Director Cindi Galabota for a fun, hands-on and engaging Vermiculture Workshop. Learn all about the vital role worms play in healthy soils and build your own worm composting bin.
It is set for 10 a.m. on June 28 at the CSU Extension Building at 344 U.S. 84. There is a $20 materials fee. RSVP at (970) 264-5931 or https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension office, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, https://archuleta.extension.colostate.edu/.
