Chemical-free weed-control for Ecological Restoration
We in Kaipatiki are fortunate to live alongside some of the largest urban forest areas in New Zealand.
Due to the impacts of housing and invasive weeds, few of us have ever seen the astonishing beauty of a garden bordered by strong, healthy native plant communities, from ground covers, herbs, ferns and vines to trees...and the birds they house and feed.
Once freed from destructive weeds, our forest edges achieve their potential in naturally balanced native plant communities, emerging spontaneously from the native seeds and spores already present in the soil, brought by birds, and blown by wind.
Our method is based on 35 years of observation and practical experience in North Shore reserves and their neighbouring gardens, depending solely on knowledgeable plant identification and hand-weeding, tailored to each location’s habitat, landform, soil, and water flow.
Carefully managed on-site decomposition of the weeds and prunings improves the soil and creates low-impact paths, building up the seed-bank, reducing erosion and runoff.
For home service or tuition, ph Jenny,
021 485 994
North Shore Wilds, jenny@playtomusic.co.nz
References available
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.
Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.
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24.1% Yes
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75.2% No
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
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