When Rain Revitalises More Than Just Our Gardens

The welcome rain has breathed life back into landscapes of all kinds—ornamental parks, home gardens, public green spaces, orchards, and broadacre farms. But while the flush of new growth is a relief after dry conditions, it also brings a surge of weeds and the insects that rely on them.

It’s easy to think of weeds as purely negative, yet they play a more complex role in managed and ornamental environments. In parks and gardens, as well as between orchard rows and along farm margins, the mix of grasses and broadleaf weeds provides food and shelter for a wide range of beneficial insects. These plants also contribute to soil health by improving structure, adding organic matter, and supporting nutrient cycling. When managed well, vegetated areas help reduce erosion, slow runoff, and limit nutrient loss into waterways.

Of course, not all weeds are welcome guests. Species such as Blackberry nightshade can act as reservoirs for serious insect pests. In both ornamental and agricultural settings, allowing these weeds to mature increases the risk of harbouring insects that later move onto valuable plants. Effective management of these high‑risk species is essential.

After the November rain, slashers and herbicide rigs have been working overtime to regain control. But it’s worth considering what happens to the insects living in those weeds. Research on green vegetable bugs has shown that around 70% can survive slashing. Another study found that fruit damage increased after slashing because displaced bugs simply moved into the crop. The lesson is clear: if weeds are allowed to grow unchecked and reach maturity, any sudden removal—whether in a park, garden bed, or orchard interrow—can push pests onto nearby plants.

A few points to keep in mind:

• Minimise soil disturbance and maintain groundcover. While practices like interrow profiling are common in some industries, excessive disturbance creates opportunities for problem weeds to establish.

• Stay consistent with weed management. Regular attention prevents weeds from maturing and becoming pest refuges.

• Aim for long‑term ecological balance. Restoring native vegetation and removing invasive environmental weeds improves biodiversity. In orchards and farms, well‑managed interrow vegetation protects soil and supports beneficial insects. In parks and gardens, thoughtful plant selection and maintenance can achieve similar ecological benefits.

Healthy landscapes—whether ornamental or agricultural—depend on thoughtful weed management. By understanding the role weeds play and acting before they mature, we can support biodiversity while reducing the risk of pest outbreaks.