Autumn is our favourite time to weed...

Weeding is easiest and most rewarding once the days are cooler and soil becomes moist. Surrounding plants are not drought-stressed, and the weeds can be uprooted, cut or broken down without disturbing desired plants and new native seedlings.

For ecological restoration of a forest edge or mini-wilderness area, make sure you identify ALL your plants, big and small, wanted and unwanted, including the new ones that have appeared over summer.

Then, consider what will be the likely result from reducing or removing each of the weeds. Which ones first? How much to remove at once? What will replace them, and how quickly?

We can never be sure what Nature will do, but care and experience make the difference between producing an endless cycle of "tidy-ups" in unwelcoming conditions, and producing a haven of unique and unexpected beauty and birdsong, resilient to wind, rain and sun, and resistant to weed invasion.

In areas bordered by forest, our well-tested techniques of weed control support strong, diverse native revegetation, without chemicals or the need for planting.

As a forest edge is freed from weeds, native plant communities form spontaneously. Each native grass, moss, fern, shrub or vine finds its niche.

From ground level to the treetops, there is always something new to discover and watch, all the year round. However, the still, damp days of Autumn are the most lush. Bursting with potential for change: fallen branches creating room for growth; dry leaves and weeds becoming compost; dry bare earth yielding baby ferns and tree seedlings.

Autumn is a beautiful time to explore and enjoy the year's growth, while taking the next steps in restoration.

More messages from your neighbours

2 hours ago

Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.

A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/

Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.

• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.

• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.

• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.

Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.

Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.

14 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.