Weed busting helps everyone
Community weed busting efforts organised by Christchurch City Council's park rangers are helping to make our public places more beautiful as well as keep weed numbers down for private gardeners.
Weeds travel easily on the wind, on birds and through the movements of people. Removing the most invasive of them from our parks and gardens is important in keeping our city looking attractive.
The Council's next weed busting event will be held at Horseshoe Lake Reserve, Burwood, on Sunday 19 March, from 10am to midday. Coastal park ranger Scott Butcher says a range of pest plants will be targeted, including yellow flag iris, ivy and blackberry.
"I'm also hoping that we may be able to set up a network of local residents interested in the park and get on top of some of the pest plant issues long-term," he says.
Anyone interested in helping at Horseshoe Lake should meet at the reserve end of Parish Street just before 10am on 19 March. Mr Butcher will explain the programme and which plants to target. Tools and hot drinks will be provided. He can be contacted on 941-7540. Mr Butcher also organises regular working bees at Charlesworth Reserve and can be contacted about these at the number above.
The annual South Brighton boneseed bash in November is another weeding event that is well supported by the community and makes good inroads into removing seedlings that can displace native and other plants along the Canterbury coastline. To take part in this year's event, contact Rodney Chambers on 941-7540. Regular community working bees are also held on the Port Hills, contact Di Carter on 941-7570, and at Travis Wetland, contact John Skilton on 941-7540.
Boneseed busting at Cracroft Reserve.
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