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Off With Their Heads

Wellington Shire Council is encouraging residents and land holders to prevent the popular agapanthus garden plant from become a major weed in bushlands.

By Wellington Shire Council - 10th February 2006 - Back to News

Agapanthus have long been the traditional choice for driveways and gardens in the country for their desirable qualities and splash of colour.

They are hardy, don’t need watering and flower over summer when all the other plants have curled up their toes in the heat, making them great for drought conditions.

These qualities also make them good weeds!

They grow just about anywhere and are spread by wind-blown seed, which means they can escape into the bush kilometres away from the actual plant.

These garden escapees are causing problems in natural areas by taking over and using up space, nutrients and light needed by native vegetation.

They are also causing headaches for community groups who spend hours digging them up only to see them invade all over again.

Annie Lamb, Wellington Shire Council’s Weed Education Officer said everybody can do their bit to keep Agapanthus and other garden escapees under control by making sure they stay put and don’t jump over the back fence.

"We’re not asking you to get rid of them, but by cutting off the seed heads when they are finished flowering, you will stop the seeds from blowing into bushland" Annie.

Weeds also spread into natural areas by people dumping garden waste.

Garden waste should be disposed of at the tip or burned on-site, not by dumping it over the back fence or in the nearest bush or creek.

Wellington Shire Council’s Weed Free project, funded by the State Government’s Tackling Weeds on Private Land Initiative – Local Government Weed Management Grant Program, aims to educate the public about garden escapees and encourage responsible plant selection and disposal of garden waste.

Other common garden escapees include Blue Periwinkle, Ivy, Wandering Tradescantia, Pampas Grass and Gazania’s.

Annie Lamb says "Most people don’t realise that plants like Broom are declared noxious weeds, meaning it is illegal to sell or trade them in nurseries and markets".

Weeds of National Significance have recently been added to the noxious weeds list and this includes plants like Bridal Creeper and some species of Willows.

For a full list of noxious weeds, visit Wellington Shire Council’s website at www.wellington.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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