Privet -- the shrub of a zillion hedges -- is among the 14 plants it would be illegal to "import, sell and possess" in Chicago under an amendment to the city's invasive species control ordinance. The proposed change is open for public comment (call 312-743-9283 or see cityofchicago.org/environment). Invasive species come from other regions or continents and can escape gardens and ruin natural areas by reproducing so fast they out-compete native plants. Not all scientists agree on which species are invasive in different places, and one complicating factor is climate change: As the region becomes warmer, some species that are now controlled by cold winters may become rampant. The city's list was chosen by a committee of institutions, government agencies and non-profits. Department of Environment spokesman Larry Merritt said the ordinance is targeted at garden centers, rather than gardeners, and in the first year will be aimed at education, rather than citations and fines. "It's not to go out and penalize people," he said. "It's to make them aware." The other 13 plants the city is planning to ban are chocolate vine (Akebia quinata); porcelain berry vine (Ampelopsis brevipendiculata 'Elegans'); cow parsley or wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris); Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus); Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus; Lyme grass (Leymus arenarius); Amur silver grass or silver banner grass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus); princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa); Amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense); Japanese corktree (Phellodendron japonica); Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed); sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima); and lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria).

Creativity counts: How would you explain gardening to an alien being? That's the crucial question in applying for a Project Orange Thumb grant from Fiskars Garden Tools. The company will give 20 grants nationwide of up to $1,500 worth of tools and $800 worth of seeds and plants for the coming season for "neighborhood beautification and horticultural education." Only groups may apply. There are two parts to the application: Apply online by Feb. 17 at projectorangethumb.com. Then use video, art, music, photos or any other medium to answer the following question: "In an intergalactic exchange program, an alien is sent to Earth to learn of our ways. The United Nations chooses you to explain how gardening makes you feel. Express it nonverbally because, of course, he doesn't speak your language." To learn more, see fiskars.com, e-mail to orangethumb@fiskars.com or call 800-500-4849, ext. 2812.

The shortest day: Celebrate the winter solstice by taking a stroll through the woods, meeting wild animals and making edible ornaments for them at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Free; chicagoparkdistrict.com or 312-744-5472. The actual winter solstice -- when days start getting longer again -- is Dec. 21.

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ebotts@tribune.com