Thursday 17th May - Department of Conservation Volunteer Workday
It's amazing what can be done where there's a will. Two workers, assisted by the hospital Ground's Contractor, Graeme Allison, made a good impression on the weeds in the north west corner. The attack on green daphne saw a suprising number of plants eliminated from this area, although no doubt follow up work will be needed. A good start was made on the removal of Montbretia ( otherwise known as Minnie Dean, it seems ). Several large ivy vines making their way up mature kahikatea were cut off at the ground and poisoned, and a trial on holly control was undertaken with several medium size trees cut off and poisoned with Vigilant. |
Green daphne has an insignificant flower, but establishes readily in the fertile forest habitat. |
Montbretia ( also known as Minnie Dean in Southland ) is a bulbous plant that grows well - a typical pest plant ! It is difficult to destroy, burning being one option. |
Over time ivy can establish as a large vine, with a trunk up to 15cm diameter. |
Vigilant is a useful tool in pest plant control. The gel needs to be applied immediately to the cut which has been made. |