A guest post from Stephanie Haslam: The rain has made everything grow – including the weeds.  Will we ever defeat the invasion of exotic escapees?
This is a good time to look at weed control methods and see what is working.

Mowing and cutting back is not the answer.  There is an abundance of weed seeds in the soil just waiting for light and space to be the next generation, crowding out and smothering local plants. Weeds are only a problem when light and clearing have allowed them to get a hold in the first place.  So the answer is to encourage the regrowth of the natural understorey.  Once this is established it is then a matter of keeping the edges weed free.  And this is the price we pay for roads, pathways and mown paths.  While we have these corridors of light it will be necessary to maintain their edges and keep them as weed-free as possible, although this will lessen if we are diligent in removing the weeds before they set seed.  Weed brochures are available to help you recognise unwanted invaders.

Where previously cleared bushland is being restored to its natural state, it is important to resist the urge to “tidy up”.  After the first initial weeding, newcomers are disappointed to see new weeds appear – specially in current weather conditions. So it is back to work to weed and weed again.

But take heart! The natural ground cover is growing too and eventually it will re-establish and become thick enough to smother all but the most stubborn individuals.  Whip these out before they set seed and suddenly you are ahead.

The main risk is getting frustrated and mowing the lot in an effort to tidy up. Then you will have to start all over again.

Happy weeding! 
Kind regards
Stephanie
NOOSA'S NATIVE PLANTS

Lake Cooroibah bushland restoration where native grasses out-compete weeds.