On the whole 2022 was a wet year for most of South Australia, resulting in a range of largely positive environmental impacts, according to Landscape SA.

The year kicked off with extreme weather events in January and ended with a once-in-a-generation River Murray flood, in a year when above-average rainfall was received across much of the state.

The higher rainfall – around 38 per cent more than usual, averaged across the state – means good things for many local environments and the communities that rely on them.

After three successive La Niña events, it’s been a case of ‘just add water’ to see things grow or breed.

One example is a McLaren Vale vineyard, where a 4-hectare insectary planting established in 2019 is flourishing after last year’s good wet season - along with the insects it’s designed to attract.

Insects are an important part of the biodiversity of a vineyard, including beneficial insects such lacewings, ladybugs and spiders. Beneficial insect predators make the vineyard more resilient to impacts from pest species like scale.

Shingleback Wine’s beneficial bug project is supported by Biodiversity McLaren Vale which is a dedicated joint initiative of local community, industry and government including Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu.

Unfortunately, the extra rainfall has also been good for pests and weeds. Many weedy grasses like buffel grass, African lovegrass, coolatai grass and fountain grass have flourished in the wet spring and mild summer conditions. 

Other weed seeds that laid dormant in dry conditions have also been germinating, thanks to extra rain.

Landscape SA says to keep an eye out for unusual plants popping up in paddocks and gardens and seek advice if something looks like its spreading. 

Regional landscape boards all have expert staff who can help identify weeds and provide advice about the best methods of control.

Visit the Landscape Hills and Fleurieu website for more information.