Threats to Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve Weeds: The Bigger Picture!!!

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Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve
*Intro to  BFFR          *Location Maps           
*History of BFFR   *Flora                  *Fauna  
*Geology and Landscape        *Habitats               *Rare and Threatened Species                *Threats to the BFFR 

BFFR WEEDS LIST

So What can I do??? Find out below!!!

Friends of Cardinia Creek Sanctuary         

Managing the Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve 

Resources For Teachers 

GUESTBOOK  

LINKS

So what is a weed?   A weed is generally a plant that does not belong in a particular area. In your garden bed at home, a weed is a plant that is growing out of place, such as cooch grass in the rose garden. In native bushland, a weed is a plant that is not indigenous - a plant that does not originate from that area.                                                                   

How do weeds enter the BFFR?   Weeds can come from a number of sources. Gardens are a major source of weeds. The seeds from garden plants can be spread by wind, by water runoff, by seeds carried in animal coats and our clothing, and by seed eaten by birds that is then 'pooed' into the reserve (many seeds need to be digested by birds to germinate!)

One other way that weeds can enter is via dumped garden clippings. Yes, some people believe that disposing of their garden waste in the local bush is 'composting'! Unfortunately, many of these clippings contain seeds of invasive plants, and some plants can grow from cuttings to grow into a whole new plant!

Agricultural plants can also become bushland weeds. Many introduced grass species grow in woodlands such as areas of the BFFR, and these outcompete the native grasses for light, space and nutrients. They are brought into the reserve in the same way as garden weeds, and also through animal droppings eg. horse poo Agricultural weeds, such as Patterson's Curse    Above: Cat's Ear, Clover, and Rye 
and Gorse, can also become serious weeds in   grass growing from seed in horse   bushland.                                                                   manure .   
                                                                                   
                                                                                   
Why are these weeds so invasive? In its natural environment, each species has something that keeps its growth 'in check'. This may be a predator such as a herbivorous animal that eats the plant, ensuring it doesn't take over. Or perhaps the plant grows in soil conditions that keep it under control such as a lack of nutrients or water. These 'controls' are called "limiting factors". When a garden plant invades bushland, often these "limiting factors" do not exist. The plant is able to take advantage of the optimal conditions and grow out of control.

Can native plants be weeds? YES! When grown in different areas of Australia away from their own "limiting factors", native plants can become weeds. One excellent example is a plant called Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum). This plant is native to the rainforests of East Gippsland, and has become a serious weed outside of its indigenous environment. It is a fire sensitive plant (fire is one of its 'limiting factors') and the exclusion of fire for many years from bushland near urban areas has allowed the plant to take over. It has been a serious problem in BFFR, and has been controlled with the efforts of the Friends of Cardinia Creek Sanctuary over the past six years. Is this invader lurking in your garden??? More information on Sweet Pittosporum in BFFR here!

What can we do to control weed invasion?                                                       1) Be a good bushland neighbour. Be a responsible gardener! Make sure you compost your garden wastes. Never dump them outside of your property.

2) Be aware of local weed species, and try to minimise the impact of your garden. Take out serious invaders in your garden and replace them with less invasive species.  If you have plants whose seed can spread easily, remove the seed heads and put them in the bin (eg. agapanthus seed heads).

3) Grow your own wildlife friendly garden. By visiting the BFFR you will see a diveristy of indigenous plants and wildflowers that suit our area and can be grown in your garden. Find out what local plants you like and ask for them at your favorite nursery (Try the Upper Beaconsfield Indigenous Nursery, in Halford Road, near the milkbar).  Many species attract beautiful native birds, butterflies and other insects of the friendly variety!

4) Do your bit for your bushland - Become a Friend! Visit the Friends of Cardinia Creek Sanctuary page and find out more about how you can be involved in caring for our bushland jewel.

5) What species are weeds in the Beaconsfield Flora and Fauna Reserve?             Find out HERE!

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