Tuesday, June 18, 2024

War on the Arum Lilly.

My war on weeds over the years, in no order of importance, has been against poa tussock, bracken, blackberry, fireweed, thistle, giant parramatta grass, paddy’s lucerne, tobacco plant and Indian weed.
I have ignored the increasing prevalence of Arum Lilly (Zantedeschia aethiopica) as it is mostly confined to the creek banks and has so far no impact on the pasture.
But it’s time to move on it
This plant is native to South Africa and was brought to Australia as a garden ornamental.


It spreads by plant parts and seed and is toxic to people, livestock, pets and native animals.
Previously I have sprayed with glyphosate on a random basis when targeting other weed species.
The lilly takes a considerable time to die under those circumstances.
Another product I’ve used for bracken and blackberry, Metsulfuron-methyl 600 g/kg (BrushOff®) at a rate of 10 - 20 g per 100 L water plus non ionic surfactant, produces a much quicker result according to reports and that will be my chemical of choice.
Experts say the best time to spray is June to October, especially when the plants are flowering. This is our winter into spring time when the weather is cooler and conducive to outdoor work. 
Also the snakes are still ‘asleep’, until around late August that is.

Saturday, June 01, 2024

Batemans Bay / Sculptures for Clyde

Batemans Bay sits at the mouth of the Clyde River which has its source to the north west in the Budawang National Park.
The river descends 601 metres over its 102 kilometres course.
‘The Bay’is the major town in the Eurobodalla Shire with a population of around 20,000.
A ten-day free annual event held on the estuary foreshore highlights original sculptures from Australia and overseas.
The event includes outdoor and indoor sculpture exhibitions plus local high school student sculpture works.
The sculpture winning the acquisitive award will be permanently positioned in the Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk along the Clyde River foreshore.
Below is a preview.
More are available on this YouTube link.