Flower Beds

Recently I was criticised for supporting replacing all but eleven of the cities bedding gardens containing flowering annuals.

Our bedding gardens are in a bad way.  Many are overgrown with oxalis and other weeds or fungus infestations.  Some are prone to flooding.  They may be situated badly with manhole covers or lampposts in the way, or behind parked cars.

On top of that, the council only has so much money to spend.  To improve the condition of the current gardens in some cases would require all the soil to be replaced every couple of years.  To do that just isn’t sustainable or financially sensible.  The increased cost would be an unreasonable burden to place on ratepayers.

A much better option is to replace those gardens that aren’t performing well or are poorly placed with flowering shrubs and trees.  This can give a better result with more colour and shape.  Flowering shrubs and trees are better able to hide manhole covers and be seen behind parked cars than low-lying annuals.

I believe that what was agreed will give us a better result with more colour, and will actually save the council money as well.

For more including see Hutt City’s Website

Rare duck seen in Waiwhetu Stream

A rare Brown teal (Anas chlorotis), or pateke, was recently spotted on Waiwhetu stream which had flown in from Zealandia in Karori. Maybe it is a sign of things to come as Waiwhetu starts to regain its health, and Zealandia manages to bring species back from the brink of extinction. Maybe we can expect more visits from unique species in future. Lets hope so.

Public Access between Wainui and Eastbourne?

Baring Head is up for mortgagee sale, and Greater Wellington council is debating the possibility of buying the land. This as an ideal opportunity to open up access for cycling and walking between Wainuiomata and Eastbourne.