Knotweed (fallopia japonica) only arrived in Europe in the 1840s, and was brought from Japan by the famous German planthunter Philip von Siebold. It was first introduced into cultivation in the west of Ireland as an exotic ornamental perennial.

Its statuesque silhouette, handsome foliage, vigorous growth habit and popularity with bees (they love its flowers) meant that it quickly found favour with gardeners, so much so that by the early 1900s the influential English plantswoman Gertrude Jekyll was praising its “quick growing ways”.

Japanese knotweed has a large underground network of roots (rhizomes). To eradicate the plant the roots need to be killed. All above-ground portions of the plant need to be controlled repeatedly for several years in order to weaken and kill the entire patch. Picking the right herbicide is essential, as it must travel through the plant and into the root system below.

Just one small piece of plant material (as little as one-centimetre in length) is capable of forming a new plant with a root system that can penetrate the ground to a depth of 2-3 metres and spread as much as 7m. As a result, it’s often found growing in Irish gardens and parks (especially old ones), as well as on waste-ground, rubbish tips or roadsides, usually transported there via contaminated soil.

Longford County are urging people not to cut or strim the Japanese Knotweed plant in hedgerows or on the side of the road. Cutting the plant will only help it to multiply and spread over a wide area.

For further information visit:
www.invasivespeciesireland.com

Another Invasive Species:

False Widow Spider

Dublin, Ireland, has been chosen by Pope Francis to host the next World Meeting of Families from 21-26 August 2018, guided by the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World”.

Held every three years, this major international event brings together families from across the world to celebrate, pray and reflect upon the central importance of marriage and the family as the cornerstone of our lives, of society and of the Church. The event has at its heart the following key moments:

21 August 2018, a National Opening of WMOF2018, which will take place simultaneously in all the different dioceses of Ireland.
22 to the 24 August 2018, a three-day Congress. Each day will reflect on the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World” chosen by the Holy Father and will include an enriching programme for adults of keynote speakers, workshops, talks, testimonies and discussions; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as fun activities for children. The Congress will also include daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayerful activities, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances.
Saturday 25 August 2018, a Festival of Families, comprising a reflective concert style event within a prayerful and joyful atmosphere, in which personal stories of faith will be shared by families from all continents.
Sunday 26 August 2018, WMOF2018 will close with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, that will gather thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world.
The main events of the WMOF2018 will take place in Dublin, at a large conference venue as well as in other venues in and around the city. It is also anticipated that related events, including the hosting of international groups, will take place all over the island of Ireland. All official events will be ticketed. More details of the programme and the venues will be made available on this website closer to the date of the event.

World Meeting of families homepage:
www.worldmeeting2018.ie