A Redditor from South Carolina was fed up with a specific commercial practice and vented about it on r/gardening.

"Today I bought Mexican petunia from a guy because I have a butterfly garden and I was looking for milkweed," wrote the original poster. "He said I don't have that but you should get some Mexican petunia because butterflies and hummingbirds love it. So I bought one, not knowing that it's a super aggressive and invasive plant."

Thankfully, the OP learned of the plant's invasive qualities before planting it, but the frustration remained. "If I didn't do my research, I'd be planting a nightmare with the Mexican petunia," they wrote. 

Invasive species are a real threat to biodiversity. They are usually introduced to new areas through human activities, much like this retail experience. The Mexican petunia made its way to Florida sometime around the 1940s for ornamental purposes. 

When a species is removed from the habitat it evolved for, it's no longer subject to the checks and balances of its native ecosystem. In a new area, it can outcompete the native life and establish a monopoly on vital resources, such as food and space. Over time, this forces out the native species and causes a decline in biodiversity. 

Thriving ecosystems also benefit humans. One study found that the damage invasive species do to biodiversity costs the world hundreds of billions of dollars annually. 

Rewilding your lawn with native species, as the OP did, is a great way to prevent this kind of damage. They require less maintenance since they're suited to the climate and provide much-needed homes for local pollinators.   

The Reddit community was as frustrated as the OP by this experience. 

"Yup. I find conventional nurseries know horticulture but not ecology. And they'd rather just sell you what they have," said one user.

"I ran into a forest ranger who was leading a crew pulling out a noxious invasive grass, and realized I had bought that for my front yard at a big box home improvement store," said another. "I have now pulled it out, but why do they sell it? I guess it's job security for the ranger."

Should homeowners associations be able to determine what you grow in your garden? Yes 💯 Only if it impacts your neighbors 🏘️ Depends on what you're growing 🌼 Heck no 🙅 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.