942 days ago

Is this a weed?

Jenny from

We are often asked "is this a weed?", so we are planning a weed identification guide for our website. What plant in your garden is giving you trouble? Are you wondering if it is a weed? We would love to see photos of your problem plants.

The best definition of a weed is that it is a plant in the wrong place. Any plant may be desired and manageable in one situation, (perhaps on the other side of the world:) and a problem in another situation.

Nevertheless, it is sometimes useful to know that a plant is known to be a problem elsewhere. If it is giving you unwanted work, you may not be the only one reconsidering its place in your garden.

In addition to the better-known weeds such as wild ginger, Tradescantia, pink jasmine, Japanese honeysuckle, privets and many others, recently in our clients' gardens we have learned of a few more plant species causing significant loss of space and damage to wanted plants in some local gardens.

One was Tecomaria capensis/Tecoma (aka Cape Honeysuckle, a common hedge plant with hidden runners, which if uncontrolled spreads new plants and also grows as a vine).

Another was Thunbergia vine. One of many different plant species around the world known as Black-eyed Susan, this one is a rampaging vine.

Below: Photos of a Tecomaria hedge on a street berm, where it is controlled by pruning. Any new plants shooting up in the grass would be mown down.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60.8% Complete
  • 23.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
    23.8% Complete
  • 15.4% ... It is complicated
    15.4% Complete
324 votes
5 hours ago

Night-time chipsealing works on SH2

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

From 9 to 17 February, stop/go traffic management will be in place on SH2 between McPherson Road and Dimmock Road on multiple nights between 9pm and 5am (Sundays to Thursdays).

During the day, all lanes will be open, but speed restrictions will apply to allow the chipseal to set and to protect vehicles travelling over the newly laid surface.

There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. This is weather dependent so check NZTA Journey Planner before you travel.
Click to find out more

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2 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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