On Saturday October 27th the Greater Victoria Green Team joined forces with The Land Conservancy to smother invasive Common Periwinkle at Ayum Creek Park in Sooke. At the GVGT’s last event at Ayum Creek Park we clipped periwinkle at ground level and then covered the forest understory with cardboard to prevent regrowth. This time volunteers shovelled mulch onto the cardboard to complete the smothering process and ensure the cardboard stays put.
What is Common Periwinkle? Common Periwinkle, scientifically referred to vinca minor, is a small evergreen plant with glossy dark green leaves and white or purple flowers that typically bloom in spring and summer.
Why do we work so hard to deny its survival? Similar to English Ivy, Common Periwinkle is a smothering invasive, forming dense mats on the forest floor, which creates a monoculture, suppresses native plant species and reduces biodiversity. Currently located in the Lower Mainland of BC and parts of Vancouver Island, Common Periwinkle can withstand poor growing conditions, which has allowed it to continue spreading through BC.
In order to prevent further spread of this species please be ‘PlantWise’ when selecting ornamental plants for gardens. Use alternative non-invasive species in place of ornamental invasive plants.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our volunteers: Deanna, Claudia, Caitlin, Emily, Robyn, Josiah, Grace, Macon, Cullen, Maegan, Meghan, Neha, Jorge, Lori, Kate, Rosemary, Mackenzie, Simone, Sierra, and Tiago.
A big thank you to Biologist and Land Manager for The Land Conservancy, Torrey Archer – it was lovely working together again. The GVGT looks forward to collaborating on future events in 2021!
A Photo Album from the day are found here!
Group Photo
Highlights
- In total 18 GVGT volunteers came out to help smother Periwinkle by covering the cardboard with mulch!
- An area of ~275 square metres was worked on – impressive!
- Together we totalled more than 68 volunteer hours!
- Volunteers reported feeling welcomed and appreciated as well as safe and left feeling accomplished.
- Thank you to our in-kind sponsors who donated thank you gifts to our community: EarthRated dog poop bags, tea lights from Honey Candles, Lush hard perfume and West Coast Seeds.
