Marlborough – Local gardens, neighborhoods and wild lands are being overrun by several dozen plants that evolved in far-away continents.? On Wednesday, Oct. 10, interested residents are invited to hear noted expert Peter Alden discuss this important issue as the Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough presents “Friend or Foe:? The Invasive Alien Plant Crisis in Massachusetts.”? The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Jaworek Elementary School, 44 Hosmer St., Marlborough.
The vast majority of garden shop novelties stay where they are planted, but a few have become huge nuisances.? Alden, who has led eco-tours to over 100 countries, will highlight the few dozen trees, shrubs, vines and wild flowers that are most out of control out of the 100 or so now banned from import or sale here.
Alden is the author of 15 nature and travel books, including the National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England.? He has recently spent four years with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and 14 years with the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
Founded in 1959, the Colonial Garden Club is dedicated to supporting the beautification and conservation efforts in the city. Among the many ways it serves Marlborough, the club maintains gardens across the city, sponsors scholarships through the Citizens Scholarship Foundation, and offers grants to students and teachers for horticultural education.
The club holds regular meetings on the second Wednesday of the month from September through June, at 7 p.m., at the Jaworek Elementary School. Prospective members are always welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.colonialgardenclub.org.
