13 Feb
The Weed Files

Holly Havoc: The Invasive Charm of Ilex aquifolium & Ilex cornuta in New Zealand

Greetings, fellow garden enthusiasts and nature warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re uncovering the prickly truth about Holly – specifically, Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) and Ilex cornuta (Chinese Holly). These festive-looking plants may conjure up images of holiday cheer with their spiky leaves and bright red berries, but don’t be fooled! In New Zealand, they are more of a garden grinch than a gift. Let’s...

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20 Dec
The Weed Files

Beware the Beauty: The Invasive Charm of Bear’s Breeches in New Zealand

Hey there, nature protectors and plant aficionados! 🌿 Have you ever encountered the striking Bear's Breeches, or Acanthus mollis, in your garden or local wild spaces? This plant, with its bold foliage and towering flower spikes, might look like a garden superstar. But behind its stunning appearance lies a serious problem for New Zealand’s native ecosystems. Let's explore why Bear's Breeches, despi...

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04 Dec
The Weed Files

The Tangled Tale of Old Man’s Beard: An Invasive Invader in New Zealand

Hello, fellow nature lovers and weed warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re unraveling the story of one of New Zealand’s most notorious invasive plants: Old Man’s Beard, or Clematis vitalba. This fast-growing vine might look like a fairy tale with its fluffy, beard-like seeds, but don’t be fooled! It’s more like a villain in disguise, causing serious problems for our native ecosystems. Let’s dive into why Old M...

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07 May
The Weed Files

The Puzzling Problem of Contorta Pine: An Invader of New Zealand

Hello, nature lovers and environmental champions! 🌲 Today, we’re focusing on a tree that’s causing quite a stir in New Zealand’s landscapes: the Contorta Pine. Known botanically as Pinus contorta and commonly referred to as Lodgepole Pine or P. murrayana, this tree is part of the Pinaceae family. While its towering presence might seem majestic, the Contorta Pine has become an unwelcome guest in ou...

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25 Apr
The Weed Files

The Fluffy Foe: Battling Woolly Mullein – Verbascum thapsus in New Zealand

Hello, fellow gardeners and nature defenders! 🌿 Today, we’re turning the spotlight on a plant that might look soft and innocent but is causing big problems across New Zealand: Woolly Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus. This tall, fuzzy invader with its bright yellow flowers is more than just an unusual sight in our fields and gardens. Let’s dive into why Woolly Mullein is considered an invasive pest an...

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A Green Grass with White Clouds on the Blue Sky
08 Dec
Garden & Plant Questions

How can I rejuvenate my patchy lawn?

Question. My lawn is not growing very well. It is patchy. What can i do to rejuvenate the lawn and when? Answer. Having a lush, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, the grass just doesn't grow as well as we'd like. If your lawn is patchy and struggling, don't worry—there are several steps you can take to rejuvenate it and restore its beauty. Here's...

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22 Feb
The Weed Files

The Persistent Pest: Tackling Twin Cress – Lepidium didymum in New Zealand

Hello, green thumbs and eco-warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re shedding light on a small but mighty invader that’s been creeping its way across New Zealand’s gardens and farmlands: Twin Cress, or Lepidium didymum. This tiny troublemaker may be easy to overlook, but its impact on our ecosystems is significant. Let’s explore why Twin Cress needs to be controlled and how you can help keep this invasive plant i...

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11 Oct
Landscaping & Lawns

Lawn Care Essentials: Maintaining a Lush Green Lawn in New Zealand

Welcome to the ultimate guide for achieving a lush, green lawn in New Zealand! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a lawn care novice, we've got you covered with fun and practical tips to keep your grass looking fabulous all year round. Let's dive into the essentials of lawn care! 1. Mowing Magic Regular mowing is key to a healthy lawn. Aim to mow your lawn once a week during the growing seaso...

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11 Aug
The Weed Files

Dock the Invader: The Trouble with Rumex in New Zealand

Hey there, nature enthusiasts and garden guardians! 🌿 Have you ever come across those pesky plants with broad, paddle-like leaves in your backyard or paddock? Meet Dock – specifically, Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock), Rumex pulcher (Fiddle Dock), and Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock). These green invaders are more than just a minor nuisance; they’re causing big problems in New Zealand’s ...

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26 Nov
The Weed Files

Wild Ginger: The Beautiful but Invasive Invader of New Zealand

Hello, nature guardians and green enthusiasts! 🌿 Today, we’re taking a closer look at a pair of plants that are as captivating as they are problematic: Wild Ginger, specifically Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili Ginger) and Hedychium flavescens (Yellow Ginger). These exotic beauties, while stunning, pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s native ecosystems. Let’s delve into why these plants, despi...

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