Flemings Jumbo 2008

This tree was immediately eaten down by Wallabies but has recovered in a year

Unknown Variety planted 2008

I managed to buy 10 of these trees at a very cheap price - while they had a label on the tree the variety had not been ticked one was planted in the orchard - the other 9 were planted in a grove by the cottage with the idea of growing the canopies a an interlocking shelter.

Verdale Planted 2008

Frantoio - Planted 2005

2008 - 20 Olives

Establishing the tree is one thing, protecting it against wildlife is quite another - the tree is surrounded by wire netting supported by star pickets to stop attack from wallabies who eat the leaves. The netting runs to the ground to stop rabbits who might ring bark the tree.

When in fruit it is also covered with netting to prevent opossums and parrots who eat the fruit. The Star pickets also prevent large Kangaroos who frequent the orchard from bashing into the tree and breaking it down.

This tree was completely eaten down by Wombats in Feb 2005

I never had to worry about any of this lot in the New Zealand garden -