437 days ago

Time to act before the Spring rush

Jenny from

Just a reminder that Spring is underway as far as the plants are concerned, and weed vines and shrubs are putting out new shoots, sneaking around garden shrubs, drinking up the lovely water and increasing sun, and finding new ground to conquer.

Big weed invasions yield the most material for paths, mulch and compost, and the first big weeding produces a massive amount of plant material to be either sent to landfill or used to benefit the soil and plants by decomposition onsite.

Once the ground dries, sun comes out, and rain is infrequent, decomposition by rotting slows down or stops altogether.

We don't encourage storing big piles of dry woody or papery material during the fire season, so if you have a lot of woody weeds to be dealt to....that is, vines, shrubs or trees...work needs to start very soon if you want the plant material composted onsite and returned to your soil to help the remaining plants grow well and remain weed free.

After we have done weed control and mulched where needed, the Spring rush of weeds doesn't occur for most species, and not at all if we have had time to eradicate the weed before the warm weather.

Instead, the wanted plants grow luxuriously in the moisture and sunlight of Spring, filling the space and reducing weed reinvasion.

Since we only started our business last Christmas, we don't yet have photos of our clients' gardens in Spring after our weed control.

Below is a photo of an area of public Reserve in January this year, hand weeded of major environmental weeds, then gradually of benign leafy weeds. This area is part of a forest margin, in which dense vegetation is key to keeping the area weed-free, so native regeneration has been allowed to fill the space entirely.

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More messages from your neighbours
8 days ago

Poll: What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?

Pullman Novotel

Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport is New Zealand’s only 5-star airport hotel, given its incredibly close proximity to the airport, the convenience of walking to the airport is a major highlight but there are plenty of other features that make it special. Find out more

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What special qualities should a 5-star New Zealand airport hotel at our largest international airport have?
  • 5% Unmatched runway views with a private lounge
    5% Complete
  • 45.4% Exceptional service from arrival to departure
    45.4% Complete
  • 5% Gourmet dining featuring New Zealand's finest, celebrating Te Ao Māori kai
    5% Complete
  • 37.8% A soundproof oasis with all desired amenities
    37.8% Complete
  • 6.7% Māori culture reflected throughout, creating an architectural marvel
    6.7% Complete
238 votes
13 hours ago

Be Loved this Spring! Reduced fee dog adoptions at SPCA start today

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

From 5-20 October only, SPCA dog and puppy adoption fees are 25% off. Plus, every dog adopter gets a free Simparica Trio flea, tick & worm treatment, and discount voucher.

We have more than 300 adoption-ready dogs and puppies nationwide, waiting for their happy forever after.

Visit www.spca.nz... to start your journey together.

1 day ago

Poll: Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

I'm sure you've seen it while doing your weekly shop... In fact, it may have even been you.

What do you think about people heading to the supermarket in their pyjamas?

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Is it okay to grocery shop in your PJs?
  • 14.3% It's fine!
    14.3% Complete
  • 75.1% It's questionable
    75.1% Complete
  • 10.6% Other - I'll share below
    10.6% Complete
1594 votes