We have done nothing other than slashing to try and control weeds both under the trees and between the rows. The orchard was planted into a green-field native pasture paddock 11 years ago. The country had been set-stock with sheep for 150 years so it wasn’t in the best shape.

As the soil has improved we have seen major changes in the “weed” composition. We had some pretty ordinary things in the first few years. We have been through a couple of changes and now in the cooler months it is almost a total legume dominant sward.

We have not planted anything. The legumes just turned up when the soil was right. It took 3-4 years before we saw the first legume plant appear. It is now nearly 100%.

Summer is dominated by native grasses. There could be 30+ species that have appeared.

The inter-row strips get the benefit of a bit of compost that gets thrown beyond the tree row each year.

Time heals.