Page 23 - Landscape-Issue152

PROJECT

Pompom Weed and other NEMBA Category 1b invasive plants
during specific growth stages ensures that their spread is minimised.
Pompom Weed is most effectively controlled before it flowers, as this
prevents seed dispersal and curtails its reproduction cycle. It causes
serious degradation of the veld and reduces biodiversity.
Seasonal control also helps to avoid disturbing native plants and
wildlife during critical periods such as nesting or breeding seasons.
As The Hills is situated within a wildlife reserve, invasive plants
are managed without the use of herbicides to protect the delicate
ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabits it. The approach taken by the
garden group relies on sustainable methods such as hand weeding,
which is particularly effective for small infestations and ensures
precise removal of invasive species while safeguarding native
vegetation. To further suppress invasive growth, regular cutting
with brush cutters is undertaken, especially for species like Pompom
Weed when they are not in flower. This method weakens the plants
over time by depleting their energy reserves and prevents them from
setting seed, gradually reducing their spread.
The garden group contributes to the conservation of South Africa’s
unique environment through these careful practices. As stewards
of the reserve, they are also committed to raising awareness about
invasive plants and their impact on biodiversity, inspiring others to
Invasive Pampas grass was removed to prevent spreading join in preserving the country’s natural heritage.

Challenges
Due to the size of the estate, there are several challenges for
maintenance contractors in the form of fires, pests and invasive
species. Scale pests on many of the aloes, controlling invasive weeds
in and outside the reserve, and fires were challenging. In the latter
case, a fire erupted in the wild reserve close to some of the houses,
but fortunately fire break cutting had already been done and was
effective. The garden group’s team helped to control and eventually
extinguish the fire. They checked their fire breaks by obtaining aerial
shots of the reserve, ensuring that they ran all the way through, in
the right places.
Education of staff
Initially, the garden group collaborated with one of the residents who
was overseeing the team in the reserve. Over time, they assumed
responsibility for this team, ensuring that staff were well-trained and
informed about which plants to target and how to address them
effectively.
The garden group’s horticulturist provided valuable insights into
the timing and techniques for targeting invasive plants. To streamline
the process, posters and community initiatives were developed,
Pompom weed causes degradation of the veld, lowering biodiversity

View from the estate management office

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