About 6 of these trees were first planted on the north faing slope of the orchard - however it was very difficult to keep them alive and by the winter of 2008 there were only 2 alive - these were moved to the south facing slope and swales were created in front of each tree to retain the water - Here they have grown much better

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 -