Learn more about your garden ecology
Ever wanted to know more about the ecology of your garden? Or even just what some of the plants are?
We live in the midst of thousands of species of plants, and that's just the ones that are big enough to see!
Many are frequently mistaken for other, better-known species. "Dark nightshade" and "American nightshade" are both native to NZ and a valuable part of sunlit forest margin revegetation, attracting honeybees. Both these native species are usually mistaken for the common weed "Black nightshade", which itself is often mistakenly referred to as "Deadly nightshade", causing needless worry.
Once recognised, native grasses, sedges and mosses that emerge wild in our gardens can be nurtured to form a beautiful self-maintaining ground cover, keeping out the true weeds. This is especially effective between tiles and in cracked paving.
Near streams or runoff channels, conserving these wild plants is often the fastest and cheapest way to prevent erosion and improving water quality, as is well-recognised in stormwater policies.
Weed tree seedlings can be identified at 2cm high and uprooted in a second, rather than growing up to become troublesome and expensive pest plants, taking over the garden, some even needing to be felled by arborists. Brush wattles can grow to several metres high in a very few years.
Moth plant seedlings quickly become deep-rooted vines with toxic sap, invisibly sneaking behind and through shrubbery, hedges, trees and fences until removal becomes a big job.
As part of restoring local gardens, forests, streams and wetlands, we have learned to use the scientific plant identification process and the "Citizen Science" community to identify any plants, and many insects, we don't recognise.
We recognise the challenges faced by busy homeowners trying to manage weeds in the soil conditions commonly encountered in North Shore neighbourhoods.
In a one-hour visit we will identify your native and weed plants, assess your soil quality and weed control strategies, and offer new, chemical-free solutions if needed.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.3% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.3% Critical thinking
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29.5% Resilience and adaptability
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2.9% Other - I will share below!
Have You Had Your Annual Diabetes Review Yet?
If you live with diabetes, your annual diabetes review with our Registered Nurse is one of the most important appointments of the year.
This check-up isn’t just a routine visit it’s a proactive way to protect your health and prevent complications.
During your annual review, our RN will:
✔️ Check your HbA1c and blood sugar control
✔️ Review your blood pressure and cholesterol
✔️ Arrange blood tests if needed
✔️ Check your feet (early detection prevents serious problems)
✔️ Review your medications
✔️ Support healthy lifestyle goals
✔️ Answer any questions or concerns
Diabetes can affect many parts of the body including your heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet. Regular reviews help us pick up small changes early, before they become bigger issues.
📞 If you receive a recall from us, please don’t ignore it. Booking your annual diabetes review is one of the best steps you can take to stay well and in control of your health.
Your health matters and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The latest product recalls
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!
Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.
Food and household item recalls:
⚠️Cereulide toxin risk in Nestlé brand Alfamino Infant Formula (0-12 months) recalled due to the possible presence of the toxin cereulide
Nestlé Milo Dipped Snack Bars
BC Hot Water Bottles sold at Bargain Chemist
Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Nature Baby Sleeping Gown
Product Recalls: Toys
Sensory Game Controller - sold at Kmart
Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Outside Beauty & Skincare SPF 50+ Mineral Primer (2 batches)
Anessa and Shiseido Anessa sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Biore and Kao Biore sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Kose Sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Mentholatum sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Pigeon sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Rohto sunscreens sold only at Daikoku
Product Recalls: Electronics
Harvest Right Freeze Dryer HRFDSBKP-PP sold at Costco
Product Recalls: Other
Michelin X Multi Z and X Line Energy Z, size: 355/50R22.5, load/speed index:156K
UPDATED GASGAS Motorcycles: GASGAS Cross Country and Motocross model motorcycles with BRAKTEC brake system. New VINS added
Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.
See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!
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