Learn more about your garden ecology
Ever wanted to know more about the ecology of your garden? Or even just what some of the plants are?
We live in the midst of thousands of species of plants, and that's just the ones that are big enough to see!
Many are frequently mistaken for other, better-known species. "Dark nightshade" and "American nightshade" are both native to NZ and a valuable part of sunlit forest margin revegetation, attracting honeybees. Both these native species are usually mistaken for the common weed "Black nightshade", which itself is often mistakenly referred to as "Deadly nightshade", causing needless worry.
Once recognised, native grasses, sedges and mosses that emerge wild in our gardens can be nurtured to form a beautiful self-maintaining ground cover, keeping out the true weeds. This is especially effective between tiles and in cracked paving.
Near streams or runoff channels, conserving these wild plants is often the fastest and cheapest way to prevent erosion and improving water quality, as is well-recognised in stormwater policies.
Weed tree seedlings can be identified at 2cm high and uprooted in a second, rather than growing up to become troublesome and expensive pest plants, taking over the garden, some even needing to be felled by arborists. Brush wattles can grow to several metres high in a very few years.
Moth plant seedlings quickly become deep-rooted vines with toxic sap, invisibly sneaking behind and through shrubbery, hedges, trees and fences until removal becomes a big job.
As part of restoring local gardens, forests, streams and wetlands, we have learned to use the scientific plant identification process and the "Citizen Science" community to identify any plants, and many insects, we don't recognise.
We recognise the challenges faced by busy homeowners trying to manage weeds in the soil conditions commonly encountered in North Shore neighbourhoods.
In a one-hour visit we will identify your native and weed plants, assess your soil quality and weed control strategies, and offer new, chemical-free solutions if needed.
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.
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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85.6% Yes
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13.2% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
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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