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Re: LONG Earth Day


> One thing which seems to have worked with possums in NZ gardens, even
>with roses, is the use of antifeedants. These are things which make the
>plant taste nasty and so put the possum off his dinner.
>
>A few years ago we had a family of possums intent on killing  one large
>and handsome cherry tree in our back garden. In two years we disposed of
>nearly thirty using a Timms trap (like a huge rat-trap and legal here
>where the possum is definitely vermin), but unfortunately there were
>always a few survivors to carry on the tradition and still they came. In
>desperation the following spring we sprayed the tree with some quassia
>bark extract, which is apparently very bitter, and after a short
>sampling session they never came back either that year or since!!
>
>I haven't had them at my roses, but in the NZ Gardener I have seen a
>claim that spraying with a fish preparation such as Alaska has a similar
>effect, so you might like to try it.
>
>Our autumn and its colours is in full swing. The most beautiful tree in
>our area is undoubtedly a Tulip Tree which turns the richest gold and
>holds it lovely leaves for some considerable time.
>
>Greetings from across the Tasman
>
>Moira
Could I please reprint your letter (above) in our next Friend's newsletter?

Michael Bailes.
The Fragrant Garden, Portsmouth Road, Erina. N.S.W. 2250 Australia. (OZ)
 Int fax 61 243 651979  Phone 61 243 677322
 EMAIL: frgntgar@ozemail.com.au
  Web page at: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~frgntgar/
Free newsletters at: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~frgntgar/newsletters/
Newsletter 15 -Contents
St John's Wort - folklore and history of a"new" anti-depressant herb.
New Herbal Healing Books- The Green Pharmacy & Herbs and Cancer
Herbal Magazines reviewed
Thymes
Eucalyptus & Lavender Oils - preventing Dust Mite
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