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.
Stoked - BBQ event this Saturday in Greytown 🥩
Whether you prefer your meat grilled, smoked, or slow-cooked, Stoked has something for every palate. Enjoy mouthwatering creations from local culinary stars, paired with exceptional drinks.
Dishing up the food: Martin Bosley’s Fish Shack, Fire Grill with Dale Keith, Travis Clive-Griffin from Fire Entice, Bicycle Kitchen. Pouring the drinks: Alexia Wines, Stoke Beer, Greytown Distilling Company Gin, and Happy Belly Ferments.
GA Tickets include:
- Your first Stoke beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available),
- Masterclass sessions including:
Elevate your BBQ game - tips for entertaining with Caleb Kloeg
Wine 101 - top matches for summer - hosted by Jane Cooper, Winemaker at Alexia Wines
Smokey Cocktails - hosted by Jaime Smylie, The White Swan
- Entry to the National Red Bandal Throwing Competition - great prizes for grabs including a Greytown Butcher Meat pack and Red Bandals - the ultimate summer footwear
- All day entertainment, music, lawn games
Chill zone - bean bags, fire pit, perfect for toasting homemade marshmallow slabs.
This Saturday 30 November 12:00 - 17:00 at Cobblestones Museum, Greytown.
Tickets at the link below.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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