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- It seems there is a lot of interest in this area at present with how to kill your
poplars, ivy, morning glory, convolvulus and similar invasive woody vines and creepers. If
you’ve tried glyphosate, you know that’s useless. You need a solution with
triclopyr in at as the active agent. Often sold as ‘Axit’ or various
"Blackberry and Poplar Killers". The locally made "CRC Tree Killer"
has 50 grams per litre of active agent and as such is the best value for money.
- The method is to make a clean cut right at ground level and then apply the recommended
solution to the fresh cut with a sponge or brush. Wear rubber gloves and do not attempt to
compost or mulch the treated roots as the active agent is toxic for a fair while. The
canopy can of course be shredded and composted because it was not affected. Deciduous
trees can be treated in the next two weeks then it’s too late this season as they go
dormant.
- After this recent rain the aphids are breeding rapidly and need some control on
Chrysanthemums and Hibiscus in particular. A strong jet of water onto the buds gets most
of them off and they cannot fly so they fall easy prey to ants.
- Also feed Chrysanthemums now to get lage blooms next month and start de-budding where
there is a large bud set or else you’ll have lots of small flowers. Still if
that’s what you want then fine, but pick up the fallen blooms of Hibiscus, because
they harbour the dreaded Western flower thrips, that has already got a hold in some
northern gardens.
- Now that most almonds, stone fruits and olives have been harvested, the rats in this
neighbourhood (yes this area is riddled with rats) are running out of easy pickings and
moving into the vegetable garden. Time to control them with baiting or traps. Speak to
your local pest officer at the Council first.
- If you have a lovely Snail Vine in flower at present and they are sensational this year,
don’t be too concerned about the ants on them. The ants are the only known
pollinators of the Snail creeper flowers, so no ants and no seed for the next crop.
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