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Garden, Conservation, Red Tape

© Gay Klok

Let me tell you the story of our biggest conservation act at the property in the country

When we purchased the land, we learnt that originally there had been a good stand of Backwood trees growing naturally on the property. We decided to restore a small forest of the Acacias as our conservation gesture. To purchase the trees and, we thought, to get help, we contacted the Forestry Department and an appointment was made for an official to come and meet us to inspect the area we intended to plant. He wanted to educate us on the best variety of tree for the land we wished to reafforest. The area we had chosen was approximately five acres of blackberries and bracken around the two big dams. The area had obviously been cleared of bush when the dams were built, many years ago. They are situated about one kilometre up a fairly steep hill from the house.

On the day we first inspected "Forest Home" [now "Kibbenjelok"] for the first time, we did not take the car and walked up to the two lovely catchment areas. Despite the rather steep walk, I was enchanted with the two "lakes." This was to be my water garden. In truth, what it proved to be was the most practical thing in the purchase of "Forest Home." The water from the dams was reticulated down to all the apple orchards and we are able to water the newly planted gardens to our hearts' content.

So let us get back to the Government service. On that rather delightful early Winter's morning, we met with our friend up at the dams. Kees and I had walked the rough, grass track, not daring to take the car as the trail was still muddy from the Winter's rain. When we reached the dams, our friend was waiting there, sitting on the ground beside his huge four wheeled drive car.

"This is Paradise," he said, as we apologised for being a little late. "I have enjoyed myself so much. I was early and have been listening to the birds."

We walked through the blackberries, inspecting the area we intended to plant with the blackwoods and immediately he became the government servant and very efficient.

"It is very suitable for growing Blackwoods," he said, "but you will have to clear it of all the blackberries and bracken. We would also want to see it fenced to keep out the wallabies and kangaroos. After you have done this, write a submission and we will see about a small grant to help with the cost. I suggest you first plant five thousand seedlings. These are to be planted two and a half metres apart in straight rows, with a nurse eucalyptus tree beside it."