If you live in a bushland area or have a bush garden, be on the lookout for exotic weed seedlings. Things like English ivy (Hedera helix), wild asparagus fern (Protoasparagus aethiopicus), broad-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum), small-leaved privet (L. sinense) and lantana (Lantana camara) produce berries which are eaten by birds and then widely dispersed in their droppings. The seeds germinate easily and young plants grow vigorously, outcompeting many native species. These sort of weeds pose a serious threat to our bushland areas, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them and get on top of them early.