Does anyone know the owner personally?
I am concerned about the property at 12 Greendale Avenue, Avonhead. It is understood that the owner lives overseas and the house is empty. (See photos below).
There is an invasive weed growing on the property called Californian thistle and it needs to be removed immediately before the thistle seed/flowers spread. This thistle has also grown tall and fallen over onto the footpath where it will be kicked/knocked by pedestrians then easily spread; or, the flowers will disperse and spread as soon as there is a light breeze.
I am an ex farmer and know the only way to eradicate this type of thistle is by spraying however if these thistles get to dry off, they will not only spread throughout the neighbourhood but they will also become a fire hazard.
I have informed the Council and Environment Canterbury but I don't expect they will act as urgently they should.
Does anyone know the owner personally? Could you contact him/her to let them know about it and inquire why the property is not being maintained?
If you live near the property, I encourage you to notify the council - more complaints will likely get some action.
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.
Railing planters
To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.