Kew Bush Happenings

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.