Alligator weed spread a concern

from Hibiscus Matters_Issue 343_20 March 2023

THE GARDENS APARTMENTS

An invasive weed that likes wet conditions, and is a major concern in waterways is currently popping up everywhere on the Hibiscus Coast. Called alligator weed because it lurks in wet places, it spreads easily. It is very hard to kill and therefore expensive to control.

Ben Rogers, who looks after maintenance and gardening at Red Beach hospice, has seen the weed take off, invading the lawn and garden areas largely because the soil is wetter than normal.

“We’ve had it in the garden for the last couple of years, but it has become a huge problem after the wet weather,” he says.

Many of the normal weed removal techniques, particularly organic ones, have been unsuccessful. When it is in the lawn, mowing cuts it into pieces which can then regrow. Mulching helps suppress the weed, but as soon as light comes through, it pops up again.

A pile that Ben pulled out by hand and put in black plastic bags in a garage to rot was still alive a month later.

He says a beetle that eats alligator weed in other countries has proved unable to handle NZ conditions and so cannot be introduced here.

Ben likes to garden without toxic sprays, but he’s reluctantly had to resort to glyphosate to try and kill alligator weed.

Worryingly, Ben has seen it growing in D’Oyly Reserve waterway recently.

“That’s scary, as it takes over and blocks silt from moving through,” he says.

He says it is also all over the Coast, on public berms and in gardens.

He recommends pulling it out, dumping it in a pile and spraying the pile over time until all of it is dead. Alligator weed, originally from Brazil, has been in NZ since the early 1900s.

“It’s really taking hold on the Coast. The more people that are aware of it and can remove it the better,” Ben says.

Ben Rogers says wet conditions have led to the spread of this weed all over the Hibiscus Coast.

Organ donation a gift of life

March is national Kidney Month, and Organ Donation NZ and Kidney Health NZ have joined forces to help raise awareness about the importance of kidney donation. There are two types of kidney donation –Organ Donation NZ is responsible for deceased organ and tissue donation across Aotearoa, while Kidney Health NZ supports live kidney donations. Donor coordinator for Organ Donation NZ, Sue Garland, says that whether you’re considering live donation or wanting to ensure that your organ donation wishes are considered after you die, it’s important to talk with your loved ones. Organ donation that occurs after someone has died is only possible in a small proportion

What can you do?

Auckland Council’s biosecurity principal advisor, Dr Imogen Bassett, did her PhD on alligator weed. Here’s her advice: • Alligator weed can grow from just a small fragment of stem or root. Therefore, to prevent further spread it’s really important to make sure there aren’t fragments of alligator weed contaminating soil or other materials that are moved between sites. • It can be tricky to control once it’s on your property. If it’s just recently popped up, consider getting onto it quickly before it gets too much of a foothold. For small infestations, you may be able to dig it out. Larger infestations will likely require herbicide use. • Alligator weed is a pest plant under Auckland’s Regional Pest Management Plan, meaning that it’s not legal to distribute it to new locations. However, you may dispose of pest plant material to landfill or secure green waste facilities. • For more detailed advice visit Auckland Council’s Pest Search website - www. tiakitamakimakaurau.nz/protect-and-restore-our-environment/ pests-in-auckland/pest-search/altphi/

This month the team at the Harbour Hospice’s Silverdale Shop celebrated its fifth birthday. Originally two separate stores run completely by volunteers, the teams merged in 2018 and relocated to the shop’s current location on Silverdale Street, with paid management put in place. Retail manager Suzanne Shields says 16 of the original volunteers are still part of the team. There are now more than 40 volunteers in total. “We’re like a family, we feel so much joy here,” Suzanne says. More volunteers are needed, so pop in and talk to Suzanne if you’re interested. Pictured at the birthday celebrations are staff with Suzanne Shields in the back row, second from left.