Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Spring 2020

Publisher/Editor Alison Robinson Home Lifestyle & Central Coast Typesetting and design Hub Graphic Design Nicole Chambers nicole@hubgd.com.au Contributors

PARTHENIUMWEED FOUND ON THE CENTRAL COAST P arthenium weed has recently been found in a Ravensdale chicken yard on the Central Coast. All parts of the partheniumplant at any stage of growth are toxic to humans and animals. It has been shown to be related to health problems for

some people living or working in close proximity to it, resulting in allergy- type responses. Contact with the plant causes dermatitis and respiratory malfunction in humans, and dermatitis in cattle and domestic animals. The main substance responsible is parthenin, which is dangerously toxic. Central Coast Council Unit Manager of Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski said that although the weed is uncommon in NSW, we need to be vigilant.“This finding of parthenium at Ravensdale, and at Engadine in southern Sydney earlier in the year have both been linked to contaminated, organic wholegrain chicken feed produced in Queensland,” Mr Sulkowski said. “This is a devastating weed, and the community plays a vital role in preventing it take hold in NSW. “If you think you have seen this weed on the Coast please contact Council immediately, or the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244, and our weed officers will help identify if it is parthenium and if so, help eradicate it.” NSW DPI State Priority Weeds coordinator, Nicola Dixon said with 20 infestations this year, NSW has had the highest number of parthenium incursions since 1999. “The community has played an important role in finding the weed and allowing Council weeds officers to remove and manage all infestations,” Ms Dixon said. “We have been able to successfully detect and eradicate parthenium weed in NSW since 1982, thanks to the actions of the community and weeds officers across the state.” More information about partheniumweed and how to identify the plant at different growth stages is available from DPI. weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/PartheniumWeed Adorn your entrance with eye-catching flowers S et the mood with bright coloured flowers this season to greet you when you get home.. Make a good first impression, head to your local garden centre for some cheerful seasonal colour. Why not pop a big, bright pot of them by your front door for an instant welcome? Enhance the beauty of your front entrance, be unique and be creative – Plants are the perfect way to boost curb appeal. Whether you choose annuals, perennials or shrubs, they smarten up any entryway and make it feel like there’s no place like home! To get started, choose a planter. Look for one that complements your home’s style and colour, and make sure it’s large enough to make a statement and be seen from the street. Then, pay attention to how much light your entryway receives and choose plants that can handle your specific sun/shade conditions. Opt for flowers of a single colour for maximum impact. Or, mix and match types of plants, combining upright forms with those that spill over the edges. Shrubs also work well in containers for a more formal appearance. Start with the right size pot. Plant size should determine pot size, Choose the right plants, Use a quality growing mix, Water diligently, Fertilize regularly, Primp, Prune and Replace.

Australian National Health & Medical Research Council

Dr Saif Hayek Advanced Dental Services Lyn Roberts Bills Certified Organic Sourdough Bakery Australian Dietary Guidelines Council

Geoff Garlinge -Certified Health Counsellor Dip.HC MRA (Medical Register of Australia) Nutritional & Nutraceutical Cancer Support Specialist

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4 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2020