Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine

Chops Gardening Tips – What to do With Weeds

Controlling weeds in the garden is important, but it
should be done in a way that balances the benefits and
drawbacks of weeds.

The Coromandel region of New Zealand is home to many different types of weeds, some of which can be harmful to your garden. Here are three weeds that you should look out for:

  1. Gorse: Gorse is a thorny shrub that can grow up to 3 metres tall. It is a major weed problem in the Coromandel, as it spreads quickly and can outcompete native plants. Gorse has yellow flowers and spiky leaves, and its seeds can remain viable in the soil for at least 40 years.
  2. Blackberry: Blackberry is another weed that is prevalent in the Coromandel. It has thick, thorny stems that can grow up to 3 metres tall, and its leaves are green and shiny. Blackberry produces delicious berries, but it can also quickly take over a garden and smother other plants.
  3. Wild Ginger: Wild Ginger is a creeping weed that is native to the Coromandel. It has large leaves and delicate flowers, and its rhizomes (underground stems) can grow up to 1 metre long. Wild Ginger can quickly spread and can be difficult to control once established.

To control the growth and spread of these weeds, it is important to identify them as early as possible. This can be done by examining the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, as well as its growth habit. To control the growth of weeds in your garden, you can use the following methods: hand-pulling for small areas, mulching to suppress weed growth, and herbicides for larger areas or difficult-to-pull weeds. It is important to identify the weed, choose the right herbicide, and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging other plants.

While weeds can be a nuisance in the garden, they can also have some benefits. Weeds can provide habitat for wildlife, improve soil health, and even provide edible or medicinal plants. However, it is important to strike a balance, as too many weeds can lead to competition with other plants and can decrease the overall health and aesthetic of your garden.

Check out Chops Landscaping Design and Maintenance here.