Garden of Ghastly Guests - what is escaping from your gardens?

The Garden of Ghastly Guests stall at the Uraidla Sustainability Fair invited visitors to take a closer look at a problem hiding in plain sight: the troublesome garden “escapees” that are quietly entering our local landscapes. 

Many of the plants we admire in gardens don’t stay put. Some slip over the fence and begin spreading through bushland, roadsides and reserves, where they outcompete native species and alter ecosystems.

A key focus at this year’s stall was on several eastern states wattles that have become weedy in the Hills and Fleurieu. Species like long-leaved wattle (Acacia longifolia), Sydney green wattle (Acacia decurrens), Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) and Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana) may be Australian natives, but outside their natural range they behave like invaders. Their fast growth, abundant seed production and ability to thrive in disturbed soils give them an edge over local flora, allowing them to dominate and reduce biodiversity.

African lovegrass is another culprit - tough, drought-hardy and fast spreading, it forms dense clumps that crowd out more delicate native grasses.

The stall encouraged gardeners to recognise these species, understand their impacts and choose regionally appropriate alternatives. 

The event also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the community, share knowledge, and strengthen collective efforts toward sustainable land management in the Adelaide Hills. 

Ready to take action?  Our 'Five steps to effective weed control' guide makes it easy to get started with practical advice you can follow at your own pace. Whether you’re working on a small patch or a larger site, the guide will help you plan your project, avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success