The District of Sooke has found a use for Scotch broom.

The noxious weeds will be chipped, blended with manure and composted and used for garden mulch.

B次元官网网址淭his is a practice that has been done in the Highlands with good success,B次元官网网址� said Jessica Boquist, SookeB次元官网网址檚 parks and environmental services coordinator.

B次元官网网址淚n (HighlandB次元官网网址檚) case, we understand the compost is used in the community garden and germination of seed has not been observed. The effectiveness is due in part to the heat at which it decomposes when blended with manure. We will similarly monitor as the compost is used in a controlled area to ensure effective disposal of the broom.B次元官网网址�

This year for the first time, the municipality is helping members of the public control the noxious weed by hosting free broom drop-offs at the District of Sooke Parks Yard at 2070 Kaltasin Rd. on May 21 and June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Scotch broom is an invasive plant introduced to Vancouver Island in the mid-1800s. Sooke was ground zero for the escape when Capt. Walter Colquhoun Grant planted it in his garden in 1851.

The plant spreads rapidly on rights-of-way, trails, forest roads and under power lines and can take over any disturbed land such as farms, vacant lots, estuaries, wetlands, parks and green spaces. The plant is toxic to animals, threatens forests and presents a huge wildfire risk.

The district encourages residents to remove broom on their property or participate in a local B次元官网网址渂room busting eventB次元官网网址� hosted by Sooke Broombusters or the Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society.

B次元官网网址淚deally, remove broom when in bloom by cutting at the base of the plant instead of pulling, to limit soil disturbance and prevent weed seeds from germinating,B次元官网网址� said Boquist.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 helpful to restore sites where broom has been removed with native plants such as Oregon grape or red currant.B次元官网网址�

A community broom-busting event is scheduled with Sooke Broombusters at Phillips Road and Riverstone Drive on Saturday (May 7) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ashlene Akatarian, the districtB次元官网网址檚 FireSmart program coordinator, will be on-site at the parks yard during the broom drop-off events to assist residents and provide more information on how they can reduce wildfire risk and damage to their property by using FireSmart principles.

editor@sookenewsmirror.com
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