BANISHING THEBALSAM

There is something unsettling about the term ‘invasive non-native species’, as though there is something sinister going on, and these plants and animals have somehow sneaked into the country while we were looking the other way. But often, nothing could be further from the truth. Not only have we held the door open for them, we’ve thrown them a lavish welcome party.

Plants in particular were often brought in as exotic curiosities by those lovers of the strange – the Victorians. Many still brighten our gardens quite happily, but some have taken to their new home rather too well.

Don’t be fooled by these pretty flowers. In their own land, where they evolved, natural enemies keep their numbers in check. But in the UK, they have no such adversaries. Inside those delicate blooms thus lies the blueprint for a ruthless competitor.

Some of these species are familiar to us all. Japanese