Gardeners surprised at weed problem

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 549, 16 August 1994, Page 8

Gardeners surprised at weed problem

The Raetihi Garden Club members are on the lookout for invasive weeds after an interesting talk from Tim Mitchell of the Department of Conservation recently. Many weeds were introduced as garden plants and fast-growing tree species. Years later these plants are overtaking and destroying our native plants and trees at an alarming rate. Eradication is a daunting job. Garden Club members admitted propagating certain weeds - but after their talk members vowed to pull

them out. Members have admitted to buying such plants in nurseries. The club's monthly competitions were judged by Marilyn Feickert and Jackie Fraser. Results were: Single 1st D Harper, 2nd L Graham, 3rd H Oliver; Spike 1st L Graham, 2nd J Tod, 3rd D McNie; Shrub 1 st H Oliver, 2nd D. Scarrow, 3rd L Graham; Win-

ter rose 1 st E Billet, 2nd H Oliver, 3rd A Maru. A pot-luck lunch was enjoyed by all. The next meeting will be on 25 August at Craig and Lee Ryland's Papa Ridge nursery at 1pm. Craig or Lee will be demonstrating tree prunirig. Raetihi Garden Club are now taking entries for their Town & Country Garden competition, which is judged twice a year by three judges. Enquiries to Lynley Graham 3854 234