Nettle me this! Know your regional pests
Although nettle can make a nice tea on occasion, the perennial nettle (Urtica diocia) that our pest plants team deal with can form dense patches that compete with other native species for space and light. Livestock also don’t like it which reduces the area available for grazing. Not to mention it stings! (Which is not a reason for controlling it of course but we are happy about that).
The upright herb can grow up to 1.5 metres tall and has leaves that are heart shaped and toothed, covered in hairs that may sting. It’s often found in older gardens, forest margins, pasture, streams and river banks.
Our pest plants team are mostly finding it around rivers and streams in the Wairarapa, but have also found it in areas which are grazed by livestock. So, if you think you’ve seen perennial nettle, the team wants to know. They’ll control it for free! Contact pest.plants@gw.govt.nz.
Read more about perennial nettle and what you can do about it here: www.gwrc.govt.nz...
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Hīkoi to parliament
Traffic heading into Wellington City has eased, however motorists should continue to expect significant delays in the city.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti has reached Waitangi Park, with Police reporting no issues from this morning’s movements.
Another group of about 2000 people from the Hutt Valley began arriving at the Wellington Railway Station at around 8:30am.
The hīkoi is expected to begin their walk to Parliament along the Golden Mile (Courtenay Place, Manners Street, Willis Street and Lambton Quay) at 9am.
Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click to find out more information.