War on weeds - the sequel

Weeds are not only a garden pest: they are killing native plants. Weedfree Waitakere Trust wants all residents to do their bit for the cause by digging out the enemy from within. Holly Reid reports.
Another all-out war on killer weeds has been unleashed in Waitakere.
The Weedfree Waitakere Trust wants residents to help uproot 125 tonnes of weeds during its five-week-long campaign, with support from Keep Waitakere Beautiful.
The blitz runs through to April 10 and targets the same ``nine nasties'' identified in last year's War on Weeds. Fifteen skips have been set up around Waitakere to collect the weeds for free disposal.
But Weedfree Waitakere's Neil Henderson says the nine nasties are just a handful of aggressive weeds unfurling throughout Waitakere neighbourhoods, and most people miss the signs.
``Look out for any prolific plants that penetrate dark corners - they are probably invasive or introduced and could destroy your garden,'' says Neil.
Left alone, the biggest threat is to native vegetation and the environment.
Killer weeds on the hit list include ginger, blue morning glory, Japanese honeysuckle, climbing asparagus, jasmine, moth plant, plectranthus, tradescantia (Wandering Jew) and smilax.
Climbing varieties are among the worst exterminators as they scramble up trees, cut out light and eventually smother the forest floor.
``They just can't be underestimated,'' says Neil. ``People are really doing something if they take these weeds on.''
He advises people to steer clear of imported plants in their garden and to get advice from a local nursery on natives best suited to their area.
To find the nearest bin site visit www.ecomatters.org.nz or call the Weedfree Waitakere Trust on 826 4276. Get help to identify killer weeds on www.weedbusters.org.nz.