Seasonal notes from the farm: How winter’s work is paying off.
Satisfying signs of success.
Now that we’re heading into early summer, we’re starting to see the results of the groundwork we did over winter. The farm has shifted from quiet preparation to gaining momentum. Across the blocks, rows are settling in with real consistency and growth, and there are early signs of structure.
For those who’ve been following along since winter, this is the phase where all that behind-the-scenes work starts to show up. For new clients looking at stock now, what you’re seeing is the direct result of months of strategic effort - everything from paddock prep and irrigation to carefully timed bare root planting. It’s so rewarding to see the work from those long days in cold weather now show up.
It’s a really satisfying stage of the cycle. That winter work of bare root planting, irrigation upgrades, paddock prep, and potting progress, is now coming to fruition in stronger canopies and smoother operations across the nursery.
Here’s a look at what’s standing out.
Bare root season: signs of a good outcome.
The bare root stock potted through winter is showing strong establishment right across the board. Mild spring conditions helped, as did well-timed potting windows.
We’re seeing:
Consistent flush across Pyrus, Lagerstroemia, and Betula lines
Strong root development visible during pot checks
Even structure across rows where trees were potted together
This reinforces what we noted back in winter: getting bare root trees in the pots at the right time gives them the best possible head start.
Where soil prep and timing were right, the feedback from clients has been really positive. For commercial jobs needing reliable outcomes, the early-season resilience matters.
Talk to Zac about ordering your bare root stock this winter.
New growing areas: a progress report.
The paddocks we upgraded this winter are now fully in use, and it’s making a real difference. Trees growing in these improved areas are showing healthy, even growth.
What’s working well:
Posts and wire systems are supporting straight, upright form
Improved airflow is helping reduce disease pressure
Compared to the same species in last year’s blocks, we’re seeing more uniformity in the early stages. The effort that went into ground prep has lifted the baseline.
Infrastructure: behind-the-scenes improvements.
Not all the wins are in the growing rows. Some of the biggest changes we’re seeing day to day are operational. Thanks to the infrastructure upgrades, everything from dispatch to internal logistics is running more smoothly.
Recent benefits:
Better trolley and forklift flow through key zones
Faster order preparation, especially for mixed loads
Safer, more efficient loading areas
It might not be the most glamorous part of the job, but smoother infrastructure means fewer delays, fewer product handling issues, and a more reliable pipeline through summer.
Potting progress: setting up next year’s stock.
Trees potted up in winter are responding well. On the native side, we’re seeing strong flushes on Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Banksia lines. The exotics are holding their own too, particularly Lagerstroemia, Ulmus, and Pyrus.
The grafted Corymbia lines are worth a special mention: both Scentuous and Baby Citrio are producing clean, well-structured growth and responding well to early shaping.
These trees will form the backbone of next season’s advanced stock, and right now, they’re tracking well. Uniformity at this stage sets the tone for everything that follows.
Potting through winter isn’t just about filling containers; it’s about setting up form, resilience and market readiness for the season to come. The more we refine timing and technique, the better these young trees are positioned to meet the needs of the projects they’ll become part of.
What it means for late summer and autumn projects.
All this work is translating into real options for January–April planting.
We’re seeing strong stock availability in:
Lagerstroemia (including Natchez and Tuscarora)
Betula pendula and Betula nigra
Pyrus calleryana cultivars (Cleveland Select, Winter Glow and Capital)
Corymbia citriodora cultivars
Banksia integrifolia and serrata
For projects coming online in late summer or early autumn, now is the time to start confirming grades and scheduling orders.
In conclusion…
Winter’s groundwork is paying off across the nursery. The trees are settling well, growth is robust, and we’re well-positioned heading into peak season.
If you’re planning summer or early autumn projects, now’s a good time to check availability or lock in upcoming orders.
Contact Zac to talk through stock or line up a walk-through.
