Swap weeds for free trees in October

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is inviting residents to swap shopping bags of weeds for native plants at Trees for Weeds Days held in three locations across the city in October.

“Now in its 12th year, Trees for Weeds is a fantastic community initiative that has attracted more than 300 residents each year and has swapped more than 10,000 bags of weeds in the last decade,” Cr Williams said.

“Trees for Weeds Days are an opportunity for residents to replant their gardens with up to five free local native plants that are available per person. The events are being held at IndigiScapes, Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands.

“Using native plants in your own backyard offers lower maintenance gardening, water saving and helps expand habitat for our wildlife.

“Weed experts will be on hand to help residents learn more about weeds including how to identify and manage them and to help find suitable native plants as replacements.

“Council is especially encouraging residents to look out for Climbing Nightshade, Coral Berry, Dutchman’s Pipe and Duranta sp. on the mainland and Fishbone Fern and Mother of Millions on Coochiemudlo and Macleay Islands.

Residents will also be able to participate in a ‘weed weaving’ workshop to be held at IndigiScapes Trees for Weeds Day on 6 October, between 10am and 4pm.

Cr Williams said the Redlands’ subtropical weather conditions provided an ideal environment for the rapid spread of weeds.

“We hope to equip residents with information to prevent new weeds from establishing and stop the spread of those already in existence,” Cr Williams said.

“Managing weeds is an important environmental issue and Trees for Weeds Days complement Council’s own weed management program.”

Weeds can have a number of negative impacts including:

damage to our natural, agricultural, water and coastal systems;
impact on agriculture and the poisoning of animals;
changing our biodiversity by out-competing native plants and degrading wildlife habitat;
impact on recreational activities and our gardens; and
promote fire in bushland areas.

Trees for Weeds Days will be held on the following dates and locations across the city:

Mainland Event
When: 10am to 4 pm, Saturday 6 October 2012
Where: Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Road, Capalaba

Bay Island Events
When: 8.30am – 10.30am, Saturday 20 October 2012
Where: Coochiemudlo Island Jetty, Coochiemudlo Island; and
Macleay Island Progress Hall, 2 Russell Terrace, Macleay Island

For further information about Trees for Weeds contact 3824 8611 or visit www.indigiscapes.com.au.