Page 21 - Silver Lakes May 2021

GARDENING

DECLARED WEEDS

By Elize Malan

enerally, a plant is a weed when
it grows where it should not be
Ggrowing. Such plants usually
produce lots of seed that can survive in
the soil for a long time, but will sprout
when conditions are right. That is why the
best way to restrict weeds will always be to
prevent the plants from seeding.

Some weeds are so aggressive that large
areas of land with cultivated or natural
plants will be overgrown within a short
space of time. For example, the Pompom
Weed will replace natural grassland if left
untreated.
These aggressive weeds are detailed in the
Conservation of Agricultural Resources
Act and the National Environmental
Management Biodiversity Act as declared
weeds and categorised accordingly. By
law, home/land owners have to remove
and destroy certain plants promptly or be
liable for a heavy fine. In South Africa with
its diverse climate and flora, some plants
will be a declared weed in one province
but nowhere else.
It is therefore important to familiarise
yourself with the plants regarded as illegal
in the Gauteng area.
Removing Black Wattle

Canna indica
Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
E-mail: admin@garden-group.co.za
the garden gr ')up

Invasive Ivy Morning Glory Photos supplied by: Carol Knoll

INTRA MUROS MAY 2021 19