23/05/2026
Can you guess what this piece of equipment is and what it's used for? It's one of my favourite tools!
At Okura, as well as native plantings in the recreational common areas and along the walkways, we have added many wide swathes of plantings on individual Lots. Young plantings go through an 'ugly duckling' phase 1-2 years after being formed where they all but disappear into the pasture that regrows into the initial sprayed out area. With over 42,000 plants to look after and aiming to minimise herbicide spray use, we needed a low input, practical way to control the kikuyu.
This old, lightweight rake belonged to my grandmother! We've cut the tines off and I use it for trampling the kikuyu that grows up through the young plantings. It is like doing a magic drawing, seeing what emerges! Once the crowns of the plants are back above the kikuyu, they shade it out and are self-maintaining.
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