Learn more about your garden ecology
Ever wanted to know more about the ecology of your garden? Or even just what some of the plants are?
We live in the midst of thousands of species of plants, and that's just the ones that are big enough to see!
Many are frequently mistaken for other, better-known species. "Dark nightshade" and "American nightshade" are both native to NZ and a valuable part of sunlit forest margin revegetation, attracting honeybees. Both these native species are usually mistaken for the common weed "Black nightshade", which itself is often mistakenly referred to as "Deadly nightshade", causing needless worry.
Once recognised, native grasses, sedges and mosses that emerge wild in our gardens can be nurtured to form a beautiful self-maintaining ground cover, keeping out the true weeds. This is especially effective between tiles and in cracked paving.
Near streams or runoff channels, conserving these wild plants is often the fastest and cheapest way to prevent erosion and improving water quality, as is well-recognised in stormwater policies.
Weed tree seedlings can be identified at 2cm high and uprooted in a second, rather than growing up to become troublesome and expensive pest plants, taking over the garden, some even needing to be felled by arborists. Brush wattles can grow to several metres high in a very few years.
Moth plant seedlings quickly become deep-rooted vines with toxic sap, invisibly sneaking behind and through shrubbery, hedges, trees and fences until removal becomes a big job.
As part of restoring local gardens, forests, streams and wetlands, we have learned to use the scientific plant identification process and the "Citizen Science" community to identify any plants, and many insects, we don't recognise.
We recognise the challenges faced by busy homeowners trying to manage weeds in the soil conditions commonly encountered in North Shore neighbourhoods.
In a one-hour visit we will identify your native and weed plants, assess your soil quality and weed control strategies, and offer new, chemical-free solutions if needed.
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
Akaroa King Salmon brand Mānuka Cold Smoked Slices and Trim
Tom & Luke Low Carb Snackaballs
Woop brand Pistachio Dukkah
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Zummi Monaco 4-Wheel Travel System - Sold at Farmers
Product Recalls: Toys
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Galt branded Mini Makes Sand Stickers
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Licensed Sensory Activity Sets: Frozen, Bluey and Paw Patrol - Sold at Kmart
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Make Your Own Unicorn Sand Ornaments- sold at Kmart
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Coloured Sand for Unity Ceremony - 200 gram bags
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Coloured sand by Creative Sand
⚠️ Asbestos risk in MIKI Sand Art Set
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Rainbow Sand Art Toy- sold at various discount stores nationwide
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Craft Sand 380g
Pop & Surprise Playset- sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen
Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion 60ml and Body Lotion 120ml
Product Recalls: Electronics
E-LOK Gateway Wall Plug
Mecca 240V Single Vertical Heated Towel Rail NRV902H
3M ™ Versaflo ™ TR-802E Powered Air Purifying Respirator Motor/Blower
Sigenergy- SigenStor EC 8.0/10.0/12.0kW SP AU Energy Controllers with quick connect AC plug
Sylvan SLG02 Wif Hub power adapter
Product Recalls: Other
⚠️ Asbestos risk in Handmade Gummy Worm earrings and Salted Pretzel earrings sold at Joy's Handmade Boutique
Ello Glass 10pc Meal Prep Set - sold at Costco
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.7% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
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