Autumn is our favourite time to weed...
Weeding is easiest and most rewarding once the days are cooler and soil becomes moist. Surrounding plants are not drought-stressed, and the weeds can be uprooted, cut or broken down without disturbing desired plants and new native seedlings.
For ecological restoration of a forest edge or mini-wilderness area, make sure you identify ALL your plants, big and small, wanted and unwanted, including the new ones that have appeared over summer.
Then, consider what will be the likely result from reducing or removing each of the weeds. Which ones first? How much to remove at once? What will replace them, and how quickly?
We can never be sure what Nature will do, but care and experience make the difference between producing an endless cycle of "tidy-ups" in unwelcoming conditions, and producing a haven of unique and unexpected beauty and birdsong, resilient to wind, rain and sun, and resistant to weed invasion.
In areas bordered by forest, our well-tested techniques of weed control support strong, diverse native revegetation, without chemicals or the need for planting.
As a forest edge is freed from weeds, native plant communities form spontaneously. Each native grass, moss, fern, shrub or vine finds its niche.
From ground level to the treetops, there is always something new to discover and watch, all the year round. However, the still, damp days of Autumn are the most lush. Bursting with potential for change: fallen branches creating room for growth; dry leaves and weeds becoming compost; dry bare earth yielding baby ferns and tree seedlings.
Autumn is a beautiful time to explore and enjoy the year's growth, while taking the next steps in restoration.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.5% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
For Sale 4-bed ; 4-bath home in Rangitoto College Zone
This fabulous Freehold family home of approximately 340sqm on 635sqm of land is situated in a cul-de-sac in a well-established family-friendly neighbourhood.
Step inside this exceptional home to an abundance of space and comfort. Everything you could possibly need from multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas, to a designer kitchen, dining and family room with sea view, flowing seamlessly to the private fully fenced outdoor entertaining area which comes with a pizza oven. Perfect for relaxing, hosting family and friends and making memorable moments to cherish.
Four generous double bedrooms including two master bedrooms, two walk-in wardrobes, four bathrooms including two ensuites, a family bathroom/semi ensuite and a superbly located guest toilet.
Downstairs offers space and flexibility of use, ideal for extended family or guests and has its own entrance. Comprising a rumpus, used as a home office/playroom, a kitchen, dining, living area connecting seamlessly to private landscaped outdoor living adjacent to bush/reserve filled with bird song. The fourth bathroom is on this level as is a large separate laundry.
Seven heat pumps throughout this meticulously maintained family home ensure comfort. There is a central vac system and lots of storage space.
Plenty of parking available: a Double internal-access garage plus off-street parking for up to 5 cars - including a boat or campervan - also parking bays in the cul de sac.
A choice of excellent schools: Rangitoto College; Long Bay College; Northcross Intermediate, Sherwood Primary and Pinehill Primary Schools.
www.barfoot.co.nz......
Gabrielle Elborough
Real Estate Agent
021 257 5018
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