New Weeds Booklet a Great Guide for Green Thumbs
October 18, 2007: A new publication is now available to help gardeners of all abilities to choose suitable plants for their gardens.
Council’s Noxious Weeds Manager Ann Herbert said the publication Grow Me Instead – which was launched at the State Weeds Conference in Wollongong recently – was a great guide for people to consider appropriate plants for south coast gardens.
“The booklet is a guide for gardeners along the NSW south coast and lists garden escapees – those plants that are likely to ‘escape’ from gardens and invade bushland, parkland and agricultural areas,” Ms Herbert said.
“It comes with a positive message and offers a range of information on plants that are less likely to spread or are native to the area.
“The booklet will give gardeners a chance to select plants that are more suitable to their area and steer clear of those that have become serious weeds or are likely to in the future.
“It will also alert people to weedy plants in their gardens and encourage them to get rid of them in favour of less invasive species.”
The latest publication complements the Weeds of the South Coast booklet, which focuses more on noxious weeds.
Weedy garden escapees are becoming an increasing problem, particularly along the coast. They are invading the bush, beaches, recreation areas and agricultural land, often outcompeting local plant communities and replacing vital food plants and habitat for native animals as well as providing harbour for animals such as rabbits, foxes and introduced birds.
“If they are not managed, the unique coastal environment will be overwhelmed by weeds, particularly those areas near more densely populated places,” Ms Herbert said.
‘It is very heartening that the Nursery and Garden Industry NSW and ACT is supporting this initiative.”
The project was funded by the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, the Natural Heritage Trust, Nursery and Garden Industry NSW and ACT and the coastal shires south of Sydney.
Both booklets are available free of charge from Council offices along the south coast.
