Visitors are invited to step back in time at the new art exhibition Beyond the Boundary: A Case of Garden Escapers at Storiel, Bangor, running from April 5th to June 14th. Explore the fascinating story of how garden plants were introduced to Wales from all corners of the globe and learn how their escape into the wild as invasive species continues to pose a threat to nature today.

Ornamental plants spreading from gardens are a major source of invasive species, both globally and here in Wales. Once these plants escape into the wild, they can have significant impacts on the environment, economy, public health, and the way people live. Invasive species are estimated to cost the economy of Great Britain nearly £2 billion every year. Tomos Jones, Garden Escapers Project Manager at North Wales Wildlife Trust said: “Preventing invasive species is crucial because it saves money and avoids the negative impacts they can have on nature”. The exhibition features local examples of invasive species such as wall cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) which is being managed on the Great Orme because of its impact on native wildlife and habitats.

Ellen Williams, Garden Escapers Project Officer and curator said: “Visitors can follow the journey of garden plants from their introduction during the ‘gardening craze’ of the Victorian period to the modern day. The exhibition explores this issue of invasive species and their negative impact on nature through the lens of history and art, with a focus on impact and solutions”.

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The Beyond the Boundary exhibition is an important way for people across north Wales to learn about the significant impacts invasive non-native species have on nature and how we can all take actions to help stop their spread.”

New artwork by local artist Manon Awst includes a long-term sculpture at the North Wales Wildlife Trust Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve, Penrhyndeudraeth, and a playful counterpart at the exhibition in Storiel.

Manon Awst, local artist said: "It has been fantastic to work with North Wales Wildlife Trust on this project, and learn whilst developing my idea for the sculptures. I hope visitors will stumble upon the sculptures at the Storiel exhibition and on site at Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve, and ask questions around why they're there, and reflect on how garden plants also escape their intended locations”.

Luke Jones, Reserves Officer at North Wales Wildlife Trust said: “Our nature reserves are among the most important places for wildlife in North Wales. At Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve, Penrhydeudraeth, our volunteers are critical in our efforts to manage invasive species. This sculpture will provoke ideas and thus raise awareness of invasive species escaping beyond boundaries of gardens into the wild”

This engaging multi-media exhibition includes historical artefacts and fun activities for all the family and showcases easy steps any gardener can take to help protect and restore nature in North Wales. Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cabinet Member for Environment, Cyngor Gwynedd said: “We are fortunate that Storiel, Gwynedd’s museum and art gallery, offers a number of varied art and community based exhibitions all year round. This latest exhibition from North Wales Wildlife Trust is an informative and welcome temporary addition that will explore how ornamental plants from our gardens can impact on our environment.”

“We can all play our part in taking action for nature; we can ensure that our unwanted plants, roots, seeds, and seed heads are disposed of responsibly or ensure that plants in our gardens don’t escape into the wild. I would encourage anyone wishing to learn more about this subject to visit the exhibition.”

The exhibition launches at Storiel, Bangor, on 5 April before travelling to the Great Orme Visitor Centre, Conwy, and then Oriel Plas Glyn Y Weddw, Pwllheli, later this year. The long-term sculpture by Manon Awst remaining at Gwaith Powdwr, a North Wales Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve. It is hoped that this exhibition will inspire people to consider the effects of invasive plants on nature and to take action to tackle their spread.

This exhibition has been developed by the Garden Escapers project at North Wales Wildlife Trust. The project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme. It is being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government.