Have you heard of invasive species?

Invasive species are defined as a non-native species that causes harm to its new environment. They have the ability to spread, and effect biodiversity, our economy, human health, and the way we live.

The majority of ornamental plants we find in in our gardens are non-native but are not causing problems. However, some of the plants in our gardens are invasive and can cause harm to the wider environment.

In 2025, the Garden Escapers project hosted an exhibition in three places across North Wales: Storiel in Bangor, the visitor centre on the Great Orme in Llandudno and Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw in Llanbedrog. These regions focused on the key project areas for investigating and preventing invasive species.

The panels below explore the story of how some invasive plants came to the UK in Wardian cases during the 19th century and how some of these plants adapted a little too well to their new environment.

Click through the boards below to read more about the exhibition.

The story follows some of these plants and their impacts on the modern world, as well as the impacts of climate change. The story finishes by exploring what we can do to help minimise the impacts of invasive plants on our wider environment.

Click here for a PDF plain text version of the panel text

Discover more in the film below, including interviews with nature reserve officer Luke Jones, and artist Manon Awst.

Beyond the Boundary also showcased a number of artefacts. They helped to tell the story of the history of invasive plants in the UK and highlighted their connections with people. Some can be seen here.

Art and environmentalism

The centrepiece of our exhibition was a sculpture created by Welsh artist Manon Awst. Awst has exhibited widely in the UK and Germany and her works have been part of the National Library of Wales, UK Government and Welsh Parliament Collection.

Her artwork, known as Tu Hwnt I’r Ffin, explores the porous boundaries between gardens and wider, wilder habitats. It consisted of two companion pieces – one located in the exhibition space and the other sitting on Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve in Penrhyndeudraeth. 

Tu Hwnt i'r Ffin explores the porous boundaries between human and wider, wilder habitats. It is open to interpretation but hopes to inspire thought about the impact that people can have on the environment and consider the effects of invasive plants that break beyond the boundaries of our gardens.

What can you do to help?

The effects of invasive species mean it's illegal to grow certain plants or allow them to spread beyond the boundaries of gardens. However, not all invasive species are covered under legislation. It's important that we all take responsibility to protect nature and people.

Check out our new Gardeners' Toolkit for information, tips and tricks for managing invasive plants in your garden, including advice about alternative plants. 

Includes plant profiles, a video series, advice about legislation and a printable calendar to help you manage invasive plants.

Explore the Gardeners' Toolkit here