Watch out for this pretty flower
Green thumbs are being asked to watch out for a beautiful but toxic flower that could be growing in their backyards.
What you need to know:
- Every part of the plant is poisonous, and can cause gastroenteritis, thirst, paralysis, blindness, and heart and kidney failure.
- This plant is hardy and normal pest control efforts are often not enough to eradicate.
- The cape tulip, growing up to 90cm high with one strap-like leaf, was introduced to Aotearoa in the 1940s, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ manager for pest management John Sanson said. “Cape tulips, like many of these invasive weeds, are really attractive ornamental species ...but they escape over people’s backyard fences and into pasture, as these things often do,”
- It was classified as a noxious plant in the late 1970s after they were discovered to cause harm to livestock and humans, even killing animals when too much as ingested.
- The salmon-pink flowers bloom for about two days a year between June and December, and have previously been an ornamental species for keen gardeners.
Sanson urged people who believed they had the weed growing on their property to leave it untouched and contact Biosecurity New New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease on 0800 80 99 66.
Once a site was confirmed, manual removal or chemical treatment would start.
Poll: Is the increase in disability parking fines fair?
In October, the fine for parking in a designated mobility car park without a permit has jumped from $150 to $750—a 400% increase!
The goal is to keep these spaces open for those who truly need them. Do you think this big increase in the fine is fair? Share your thoughts below.
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89.3% Yes, it's fair
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9.8% No, it's unreasonable
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0.8% Other - I'll share below
Heirloom Tomatoes, Zucchini and Cucumber Plants at Waikanae and Otaki Markets
Rain, wind and cold - just what these veggies don't like! However, better times are on the way and you can get a head start if you have a warm sheltered spot to nurture these seedings. They are coming along well in spite of the conditions.
We'll be at Waikanae tomorrow morning OR come see us at the massive Market and Camping Expo at Otaki on Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. There will be a lot going on, plenty of entertainment and foodtrucks for sustenance, plus the usual array of quality stalls.
So came and check us out. Even if you are not ready to plant just yet, we can offer advice on varieties and cultivation. If you would like the full ;list of tomato varieties available, please PM me.
Gardener available
Hi, Experienced gardener available. If you want help to tidy up your garden and get ready for summer then message me and hopefully I can help. Local references available. Michelle
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