Ornamental Plants That Can Ruin Your Garden

There are a number of ornamental garden plants that one should be wary of for safety reasons, such as those that are highly poisonous, allergenic, or posses dangerous thorns. Although the health and well-being of your family is obviously of primary concern, it should also be remembered that there are many categories of plant that while not being dangerous to people, are liable to become unmanageable, thereby causing the garden to fall well below the standard you expected and dreamed of. In short there are types of plant that create conditions that can ruin your garden.

Some trees

The tree is the single most important and precious element in the garden. An unsuitable choice of species though can actually damage the quality of life rather than enhance it. Firstly, trees that have aggressive roots must never be planted within 20 meters of the house or underground structures like sewage pipes. The expense and distress caused can be severe. Secondly, while trees are essential providers of shade, particularly in hot, dry climates, excessive shade can make the house dark and gloomy. It is not fanciful to point out that that such conditions could induce depression in certain circumstances.

Consideration ought to be given to the level of shade imposed on the garden beds and borders as well. A massive canopy is liable to exclude most flowering species, and radically reduce the range of plants available. It may not have been your attention to end up with a dark, dank outdoor space comprising of two poplar trees and ivy! Don’t forget also, that some tree species such as Eucalyptus, release chemicals that inhibit the growth and development of nearby plants. This phenomenon is known as allelopathy.

Ornamental plants that turn into weeds

Just because a plant is a desired ornamental, does not mean that it cannot posses properties that enable it to spread uncontrollably in the garden and sometimes beyond. One of the worst examples where I live (Israel) is that of the Tree Of Heavan, Ailanthus altissima, which introduced in the early 70s, has not only run amok in parks and gardens, but more perniciously, has invaded natural woodlands as well.

Pests and disease

Prevention as they say, is better than cure, no less than when it comes to pests and disease. There is little point in including species in the garden which are so vulnerable to attack, that one is constantly fighting against them. The garden after all, is supposed to be a retreat not a battleground! In general, the most susceptable plants are fruit trees such as plum and cherry, but of course there are many more. Before choosing a fruit tree, ask a qualified professional as to its vulnerability.

Rampant climbers

Many home gardeners are tempted to plant on a wall or fence, certain colorful vine-like species such as Morning Glory. My advise to owners of small space gardens is to make every effort to avoid including such plants. They tend to become “top-heavy”, that is green on top, and bare down below, and create a tangled mess. Some like Thungergia grandiflora, really take over, smothering many other plants in the process. Maintenance of the garden consequently becomes long, tiresome and expensive, as opposed to fulfilling, enjoyable and manageable.