July 2018 Weeding Day
We used today to go back to some of the natives we'd planted in 2017 and weed and mulch around them. Three different areas got this treatment; two out on the grass that only had to deal with kikuyu grass (most of which had been cut down by Auckland Council), but the third was under cover and was almost overrun with nasturtium, wandering jew/tradescantia, black nightshade, and moth plant!
Each area was first weeded then mulched over with both mulch (thank you Auckland Council!) and cardboard.
Despite the threat of terrible rain and wind we had seventeen volunteers, a good number for small, cramped areas and muddy slopes. We had a 5-6 volunteer to look after the mulch - that meant shoveling and wheeling it down a very steep, very narrow, and very cracked path and up again, and finally depositing it after taking it across mud, bog, and wet grass.
Another volunteer took it upon herself to tackle the hardier pests in other parts of the reserve, like arum lillies and four metre high woolly nightshades!
The moth plants have sprung up only in the last year. Fortunately they are only in that one area so far, and are little more than seedlings, but still have potential to do lots of damage.
As always, thank you to Auckland Council for the supplies (and this year, for both weeding days, the mulch), Girl Guiding NZ for for use of the hall and appliances, and to our wonderful workforce for getting so much done!
