SPRING

The neighbour's have a couple of Japanese cherry blossom trees that are now in flower and attracting the tui.

There are many trees and plants in Northland that aren't native and are on the 'hit' list of the Northland Regional Council and DOC.

Some are:

• African feather grass
• Bathurst bur
• Gorse
• Lantana
• Manchurian rice grass 
• Nassella tussock
• Privet
• Spartina
• Bangalo palm
• Wild ginger.
• Jasmine
• Bamboo
• Akebia
• Convolvulus
• Batwing passionflower
• Cathedral bells
• Mickey Mouse plant
• Water hyacinth

I'm not sure if the Japanese Cherry Blossom is on the list or not.

Most of these have exotic sounding names and many are quite beautiful. The fact that they grow so prolifically though and are very invasive makes them a threat to our aquaculture, horticulture and native species of trees and plants. I'm forever digging up convolvulus, ginger, agapanthus, hedera, and nasturtium. Bastards!

It's a pity that these beautiful looking and smelling plants can be so dangerous.

Beautiful but dangerous