“Cut broom in bloom” should be on everyone’s lips at this time of the year.
Scotch broom is an invasive species that is taking over roadsides, empty properties, farmlands and wetlands on the Island at an alarming rate.
To eradicate the plant it must be cut while it is blooming. Once broom has gone to seed the pods burst open and seeds spread over a wider area year after year.
I recently attended a seminar in Campbell River presented by the “Broom Busters” of Qualicum. A member spoke of how several volunteers have worked diligently clearing broom from many areas around Qualicum and now 98 per cent of the broom is gone.
Apparently, seeds can live up to 30 years so you don’t want to disturb the soil around the plant or more broom will grow there the following season. The best way to rid property of broom is to cut it at the base of the plant when it is in bloom, then burn it. It should never be put into the compost.
At a recent meeting of the Lake Bloomers’ Garden Club I requested that our members become involved and remove broom from a specific location in town. We could work toward eradicating broom in that area and possibly take on more areas with more volunteers in the next few years.
The Qualicum group suggested we take on small plots of land at first and not tackle larger areas that may overwhelm the volunteers.
As we are not allowed to burn within the town I notified Public Works in advance of our intentions as they have an area where they can take the weed to be burned.
Four volunteers met on Thursday, May 18 to cut broom that was in bloom around the tennis/pickleball courts on Cowichan Avenue East. We filled our trailer twice and dumped the weed at our home so the Public Works department could pick it up and take it to be burned.
Remember, we need to cut broom in bloom to rid our area of this invasive weed. There are still many areas that need to be rid of broom and, hopefully, people will think it is worthwhile to become involved to eradicate the problem plant.
If you see other invasive species in the area you can call 1-844-298-2532 to report within coastal communities, or go to www.coastalisc.com. You can also find out more about broom at www.broombusters.org
Carolyne Austin is a member of the Lake Bloomers Garden Club.