Bush Care Day 2009

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Lupin

Last year, you might recall that we had the most successful Lupin Pull for many years and a big thank you  to the assistance of about 25 volunteers performing the light duty of removing this nasty weed from the western side of the bushland. This year we are promoting a Bush Care Day to target numerous types of weeds and light garbage in and around the Bushland. In particular, Lupins, Gladioli and light garbage.

Winter is the time for the Lupin to germinate and in spring they flower and in turn produce dozens of seeds that can last in the soil for eight years. Once the whole bush area was thick with Lupins that drowned out the native flora - let us not let that happen again.

Removing Lupins at anytime of the year is a good thing, particularly during spring before the plant has had time to fully develop the seed pods. On my walks about the lake I recall seeing other walkers pulling Lupins here and there or evidence of this activity - such as piles of the weed left drying out in the sun.

Lupins are really easy to pull out of the ground as they have a very shallow tap root, they are soft to the touch and have no spikes or thorns. Since there are no natural predators they aren't likely to be covered in bugs! To pull out of the ground, just reach down to the thick area of the stem and pull gently and vertically, the plant will slip out of the ground itself! We tend to leave the pulled plants in piles near the walk tracks so they can be easily cleared later. Don't expect to get many Lupins as there not too many remaining - it's a necessary task..

Rose Pelargonium is a small prostrate herb that has a looks similar to geranium. The smaller plants are our target, as the larger ones are often quite difficult to remove unless you have "the knack" and may be targeted by the City of Stirling for weed spraying later. The smaller plants have a shallow root system which must be entirely removed as the pelargonium can sprout again from root particles left behind.

When walking through the bush be careful as there are many small native plants and animals that could be damaged. Some of the areas we you may find yourself in are some of the only remnant bushland in the area. Please tread lightly and try not to disturb too much.

I you would like to spend some time clearing Lake Gwelup of Lupins and Rose Pelargonium, meet at the Scout Hall near Huntriss Rd from 9:00am. If you need to arrive later, there will be information posted at  the Scout Hall. 

Wear long trousers and sensible shoes, bring a pair of garden gloves, a hat and some water (maybe some morning tea) if you have some spare time on the dates listed above.

Read more about Lupins here.

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