Bree Jashin, Vice President FIA, FINIA Representative FIA & Alana Kippers, QPWS
New trellis at a Happy Valley property (photo by Bree Jashin)
Although growth has slowed over the colder months, plant stock is high at the Eurong nursery. There are approximately 340 plants ready for planting, 1580 plants in the shade house and 40 trays of seed in the hot house. The Fraser Island community is really starting to come on board with plant requests starting to come through from all over the Island.
The Happy Valley community is showing itself as it has taken very well to the concept of local Fraser Island plants for their gardens.
After years in the making and as plant stock is gradually becoming available, there has been gathering momentum and plenty of action!
Over the past couple of years exotics have gradually been removed from a number of properties and preparation is underway for planting Fraser Island species
The start of tree felling at the Happy Valley Retreat, with the removal of old pine trees that were rotting (Photo by Bree Jashin)
The most recent has been, finally, after having removed the exotic plants some time ago, the awaiting trellis was constructed last week and on Friday the Fraser Island Creepers (Tecomanthe hillii), after having been hardened at the Eurong nursery, were planted. Perfect timing with the rain to settle them in.
Some months ago, 8 coconuts were removed from another property, in favour of Piccabeen palms (Archontophoenix Cunninghamiana), which are now just becoming available and will be planted on their next trip to Fraser Island in July.
Many more exotic plants from another property were removed and further removal has been booked in with an arborist.
A number of other properties have also removed exotics and there is plenty of discussion and site visits about which plants are becoming available that would suit which position.
All very positive and enjoyable and the qualified aborist is getting plenty of work!
FINIA 