3176 days ago

Pays to know your plants

John from Dinsdale

A large family including 3 pre-schoolers just moved into new house. Soon the little ones were bringing the flowers in to show Mum. Long white trumpets blown from the neighbour's tree which overhung their shed. Angel's Trumpets or Datura related to the Nightshade (Solanaceae) which includes potato flowers and the Thorn Apple found commonly as a weed in NZ yet I recall a police car in England being sent to collect one and convey it for incineration, so deadly are they.

So would you recognise a red stemmed Castor Oil plant in your garden. My son had many when he moved to a new house.

What about an Oleander? There was a great clump outside my kids' primary school.

All extremely poisonous. Any others you'd add to the list.

More messages from your neighbours
15 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

Image
2 hours ago

Learning to Draw

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

If you’ve always wanted to learn to draw but never knew where to start, this beginners drawing workshops is the perfect place to begin. Using pencil, charcoal, graphite and oil pastels, you’ll learn beginner-friendly techniques that make drawing feel simple, relaxing and achievable.

Discover how to see like an artist, create depth with shading, and express mood through line and texture. These supportive beginners drawing classes helps you to build real creative confidence while exploring different materials and styles.

Book now at - www.artsforhealth.co.nz...

Image
3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.3% Complete
  • 20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20% Complete
  • 69.8% Nah - not for me
    69.8% Complete
751 votes