497 days ago

Is this a weed?

Jenny from

We are often asked "is this a weed?", so we are planning a weed identification guide for our website. What plant in your garden is giving you trouble? Are you wondering if it is a weed? We would love to see photos of your problem plants.

The best definition of a weed is that it is a plant in the wrong place. Any plant may be desired and manageable in one situation, (perhaps on the other side of the world:) and a problem in another situation.

Nevertheless, it is sometimes useful to know that a plant is known to be a problem elsewhere. If it is giving you unwanted work, you may not be the only one reconsidering its place in your garden.

In addition to the better-known weeds such as wild ginger, Tradescantia, pink jasmine, Japanese honeysuckle, privets and many others, recently in our clients' gardens we have learned of a few more plant species causing significant loss of space and damage to wanted plants in some local gardens.

One was Tecomaria capensis/Tecoma (aka Cape Honeysuckle, a common hedge plant with hidden runners, which if uncontrolled spreads new plants and also grows as a vine).

Another was Thunbergia vine. One of many different plant species around the world known as Black-eyed Susan, this one is a rampaging vine.

Below: Photos of a Tecomaria hedge on a street berm, where it is controlled by pruning. Any new plants shooting up in the grass would be mown down.

More messages from your neighbours
7 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.5% 1st December
    43.5% Complete
  • 17.7% A week before Christmas
    17.7% Complete
  • 33% Whenever you wish
    33% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2591 votes
4 hours ago

Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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3 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.7% Yes
    82.7% Complete
  • 14.4% No
    14.4% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I'll share below
    2.8% Complete
1405 votes