By Jan Fryer

Change is the theme of this month.

First of course is the coming of spring, despite seeing more snow on the mountains now than we have seen all winter. Contrast that with the blossoms appearing on the fruit trees, and the lambs and daffodils and there is that feeling of new life springing back.

At FuturEcology, we really appreciate the coming of spring and seeing our plantings reaching towards the sun. It also puts the pressure on to finish the last of the plantings and get ready for the crucial maintenance rounds. We always say there is little point in doing a planting if you can't keep up a good maintenance programme while the plants establish. Grass is your worst enemy, and having just walked over our lawn that I mowed only 5 days ago, I`m reminded just how fast it grows at this time of year. So, plan your maintenance regime and have all the tools on hand ready for that burst of growth.

As I said, at the beginning, change is the theme of the month.

*United Buddy Bears at Gardens of the Bay, Singapore. Life sized hand painted bears from 150 countries symbolising peace and international understanding.*

After being involved in our business since its beginning in 2014 and being the driving force behind the invention of the first bio-degradable plant guard, the EmGuard, Emma is moving on with her career in the bigger, wider world. More about that below.

What we do know, however, is that as a family business, we must be ready to embrace change and encourage our children to seek their own path in the world. When Emma began working fulltime with us in 2021, we always said that her tenure with us was for a limited time. We wanted her to learn as much as she could about running a business and bringing a new product to the market, but she then had to take those skills and work in a much bigger industry. We are thrilled to see how her journey has shaped her. Despite the fact that I will miss her can-do attitude and capability in the business, I am thrilled with the direction her career is taking her and that she is establishing her own path. Conservation may be our passion, but our children are entitled to find their own passion. We certainly wish her all the best and can hopefully pick her brains on practices we can introduce into our business in the future.

Carrying on with the theme of change, we all know that the country is going through a very rough patch and we are feeling it particularly in the regions. In our industry of conservation and restoration, we have not been immune. Although everyone understands and can't deny the importance of work that will ultimately lead to the survival of the planet, focus has shifted from that. Many projects have been put on hold as businesses focus on surviving ‘25.

Over the years, we have had some very cool projects and wonderful customers, and get a real thrill out of seeing many of our planting projects starting to mature. In the next few months, we are shaping the business to meet the changing environment, while continuing to meet both our customers' needs and ours. We are working with our team and our clients to continue with our vision of “saving the planet one tree at a time”.

We will keep you updated as we go through this process, but we wish to assure you that FuturEcology will be continuing to Save the Planet and working with the visionaries who also have that purpose as part of their future. That's the great thing about being a small business. We can be nimble and adaptable and that is what makes business interesting.

Em’s Update

By Emma Petch

*Emma and Robert doing wetland delineation surveys.*

I’m excited (and more than a little bit sad) to share a life update with you all. My time with FuturEcology has come to a close. What an incredible journey it has been! From being part of FuturEcology’s beginnings in 2014, to inventing the EmGuard, and then spending the past four years full-time sending EmGuards to inspiring projects all over the country. It’s been such a privilege.

Over the last decade, the ecological restoration industry has grown and evolved in so many exciting ways, and I feel lucky to have played a small part in that story. The real highlight for me has been meeting so many brilliant people along the way and seeing the amazing mahi happening right across Aotearoa.

I’m now stepping into a new adventure as a Financial Logistics Assistant at Port Nelson, and I’m excited to take the skills I’ve gained at FuturEcology and continue to grow them further. Logistics and problem solving is something that really spins my wheels and doing it on a larger scale is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Thank you all for being part of this journey with me. It’s truly been a joy. I’ll always be cheering on FuturEcology and keeping an eye out for our wonderful customers and their projects around the country!

Weed of the Month

Tree Privit Ligustrum lucidum

By Robert Fryer

Tree privit or Ligustrum lucidum is a small tree that is very familiar to us when it is flowering over summer. The creamy yellow flowers are produced en masse all over the tree, making it quite distinctive. The flowers are followed by small bluish berries that are then distributed by birds. It often goes unrecognised in parks and gardens, masquerading as a native species to those that are not so familiar with their plants.

It is a real problem in restoration projects and native forests, spreading relatively quickly and it is difficult to control once established. Many Regional Councils in New Zealand are recognising the problem and are assisting with its control. The Weedbusters site offers good advice on control of privet with cut and paste, and drill and fill both being recommended methods. Firstly though, it’s important to recognise this invasive species and gain an understanding of the problem. We do need to accept that it is widespread now through many urban areas, but in outlying residential areas, particularly those close to reserves or forest, it is certainly worth targeting this weed.

A good example of the problem is in Nelson, with the weed widespread through the Tahuna suburb and almost impossible to control. For those travelling north out of Nelson, they will notice a dense but still discrete infestation at the corner of Teal Valley and Main Road, Hira. Control of these trees will prevent this weed getting back into forested areas and permanently altering them. I think the approach of identifying key weeds that can be controlled in certain areas, a bit like the Taiwan Cherry approach, needs to be our future focus. This is essential as weed control becomes more necessary, but in a shrinking pool of funding. A very good suggestion has been to take aerial photos at flowering, as this tree really does stand out. From these, a plan can be created of spread, and a control programme created if deemed necessary.

Worth also mentioning, is that the berries of this tree are poisonous to humans and animals. My first encounter with this plant was as a nursery apprentice. We were growing significant numbers of this plant for hedging, back when hedges were a thing. It seems the early 1980s was quite a different world, with many of the plants we were growing then now recognised as troublesome weeds. Thankfully now, many nurseries recognise the issues and are a little more considered in what they are growing and selling.

Plant of the Month

Machaerina articulata

By Robert Fryer

This month we have been planting Machaerina articulata, formerly Baumea articulata, in a client’s wetland in Motueka. This is a large, hollow stemmed rush, easily identified by running your fingers down the stem and feeling the very obvious transverse septa.

The interesting thing about this very useful plant is its distribution. It appears to be largely confined to the west coast of the North Island, found from Te Paki in the north to around the Manawatu River. In the South Island, it has only been recorded in one site, a wetland on Rough Island in the Tasman District. Initially, there were only several plants identified on Rough Island, but their numbers have now been strengthened through the efforts of several agencies.

I find it hard to believe that there may have been a wider population that was totally eradicated through land drainage and stock grazing. Machaerina articulata is just too strong a plant once established to totally remove from a habitat. My theory is that the Rough Island plants are remnants of detritus from waka that widely travelled New Zealand, especially from the lower west coast of the North Island. We know that harakeke was shifted with people, to take advantage of regional variations, so is it possible that some fragments of Machaerina were inadvertently moved as well?

There are now a number of populations of this very resilient plant locally, as it forms the backbone of the large hollow stemmed rushes in wetland projects in the region. It is best planted on the edges of a waterbody and appears to move both to deeper water and up onto harder and drier edges. Being hollow stemmed, it can take a bit of work to establish, as it is prone to injury from waterfowl, but is well worth the effort.

Projects Update

Extraordinary growth at Maitai River Esplanade

By Evelyn Nashiro

While hand releasing and controlling invasive species, we took a pause at Maitai River Esplanade to appreciate something amazing! An over 2-metre tall five finger tree (Pseudopanax arboreus), planted by the team 4 years ago.

Its five-leaf clusters reached out like open hands, welcoming the sun and enjoying the warmer days. At just two metres tall, it might not be growing super big like the Tōtara behind, but it holds its own kind of magic, like showing us resilience and the willingness to keep on growing despite regular flooding events.

As we looked closer, we noticed tiny new leaves beginning to unfurl at the tips of its branches. Delicate, fresh, full of life. A powerful reminder that growth is always happening, even when we don't see it right away.

If you are ever walking the tracks at the Maitai, take a moment and pay attention to these young trees. They’re the future native forest of Whakatū.

Kaitiakitanga at Challies Island Project

By Evelyn Nashiro

After the heavy rain and flooding events this winter in Tasman/ Whakatū area, one simple but powerful act we can all do for Aotearoa’s conservation is clearing flood debris from around native plants, especially the young ones.

Logs, branches, silt and rubbish can smother or damage these plants, blocking sunlight and airflow and even uprooting them, if left too long. By gently removing debris and not forcing plants upright again, we give our native species a better chance to survive, regrow and keep strengthening our ecosystem. Look at the pictures below, before and after clearing debris from a ngaio plant at Challies Island Project.

Hira Reserve Planting

By Emma Petch

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to work with the local community to plant Hira Reserve. It is no secret that over the last couple of years, our rivers have taken a bit of a beating with forestry and flood events. So, it was lovely to come together on a beautiful sunny day to put some positive energy back into the awa.

Nelson City Council has been working hard to strengthen the resilience of the Wakapuaka River by extracting gravel from the Hira Reserve stretch, helping prepare it for future flood events. A wonderful bonus from this work has been the re-instatement of a much-loved swimming hole behind the Fire Station, already bringing joy back to the community.

Nelson City Council hosted a lovely day with various groups offering different activities for kids and families. It was a day full of community, connection, and care for our local environment. The photo below shows Vicki Smith with the gate she created from the tiles made by community members at the Wakapuaka Bursting with Life event. Look for this gate in the Reserve when you next visit.

Sadly, the very next day, someone came along and stole 40 of the plants in a very brazen theft. Luckily there was CCTV footage of their escapade, so we are hoping they will soon find out that it doesn’t pay to steal from your local community.

EmGuard Update

By Jan Fryer

We have had a real rush on EmGuards this past week. Must be that spring feeling in the air.

The load I received from the factory on Tuesday has all gone, much to my surprise and delight of course. We are expecting more EmGuards in about 2 weeks, but please keep in touch if you have anything requiring guards before then. We do have some lighter grade E-lites available and a small quantity of EmGuards. Please let us know if you have any projects planned so we can match our supply with demand. Crystal ball gazing is something we try to do every day, but we don't always get it right.

I was very naughty the other day, now that Emma isn't here to growl, and had the van double stacked with pallets of guards on their way to their important job of protecting plants. 6000 guards. I drove very carefully!!!

With Em moving on to her next adventure, Jan will now be the primary contact for all things EmGuard.

Jan’s details are:

Jan@futurecology.co.nz

Ph: 027 497 5838

Buy EmGuard ™ now

Interesting Snippets

What we’ve been watching

by Jan Fryer

Robert and I have been doing a bit of escapism lately and have gone back to watching the whole Downton Abbey series again, starting right back at Season 1. What a wonderfully acted, lavish drama, showcasing the best of British actors, period drama costuming and story-telling.

During Covid, we did a Downton Abbey dinner one night at home. All dressed up in dinner suits and silk. Simple fun.

The final movie comes out this week, so we are looking forward to a bit more escapism and a treat of quality drama.

What we’ve been eating

Pork Dumplings

By Cheril Barber

After a string of disappointing supermarket dumplings, and being inspired by the 45 minute dumpling cooks on Masterchef, I decided to try making my own - wrappers included. The results were so delicious that I’m completely hooked now.

¼ of a cabbage, finely shredded and chopped
½ teaspoon salt
400g pork mince
4 spring onion, finely chopped
Handful coriander leaves, finely chopped
2 small garlic cloves, crushed
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon white pepper

Mix together and store in the fridge until ready to fold.

Dough

2 cups plain flour
½ tsp salt
¾ cup near boiling water

Mix salt and flour together in a bowl. Slowly pour water in while stirring. Squeeze mixture to bring together. Tip onto bench and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover in cling wrap and rest for a couple of hours at room temperature.

There are lots of different ways to fold dumplings, so I followed the pretty pleat gyoza technique here: https://dishedbykate.com/three-ways-to-fold-dumplings/

What we’ve been reading

By Jan Fryer

During August, Robert and I had the pleasure of a holiday in Singapore.

What an eye-opening experience it was from the moment we got off the plane, seeing armed policeman in the airport, to the amount of green space and plantings incorporated into the dense cityscape. The motorway from the airport is lined with trees and flowering shrubs, and there is such an obvious pride in the gardens and green space everywhere.

It took the vision of the founding Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, to create Singapore as one of the worlds greenest cities, followed by a deliberate and dedicated greening effort over decades, to create this highly livable city.

They have recognised how vulnerable the country is to climate change and increasing urbanisation and have established the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It is a national movement to chart sustainable development.

We saw the evidence of this everywhere, from tiny pre-schoolers at the Aquarium, learning about oceans, to incredible parks, streetscapes, industrial facilities and retail spaces incorporating green space into every part of their development.

Gardens of the Bay and the Botanic Gardens were of course an absolute highlight, but so were the kilometres of walking tracks through parks and along the coast. A wee bit disconcerting in one park to come across a sign that said, “if you encounter a crocodile”. We decided to maybe not venture onto the beach in that particular spot.

We couldn’t get over how clean it all was and what a feeling of pride they took in their environment.

We picked up the book featured here at Gardens of the Bay. What an inspiring book.

I would love to see some lessons from Singapore acted upon in New Zealand, particularly around valuing green space and looking after it.

Do you know the best thing? No Old Man’s Beard! As we didn’t know what were weeds and what weren’t, we were able to enjoy everything for its beauty and place in the greenscape of the city.

Conclusion:

By Jan Fryer

*Light show at Gardens of the Bay, Singapore*

Listening to the radio yesterday, I heard Rod Duke, who owns the Briscoes Group, saying this is the most challenging period he has experienced in the retail sector in his experience. In Nelson, we have seen the closure of two major businesses in the past week and the likelihood of more to come.

It is very easy to become despondent. As we said earlier, our industry has not been immune, but we cannot give up the fight for nature. Climate change and the bio-diversity crisis have not gone away, so we must look at new ways of continuing to advocate for what is the key to our survival.

Looking beyond our shores and taking lessons from other places is always good. We were certainly inspired by what we saw in Singapore. I know they have more money than us, without a doubt, but they also have vision. Maybe, let's try that direction and see what might happen.

Closer to home, local body elections are underway. This is your chance to take a good hard look at how you want to see our local communities run. Please take the time to learn about the issues in your area, your local candidates and what they stand for. Is there a vision for your area that you can believe in and get behind? Then make your vote count.

If you have any projects in mind and would like to talk further, give us a call or pop in and see us.

We look forward to hearing from you!