The
Grange 
Managing
Revegetation
Revegetation Management
Revegetation is required at The Grange
when large areas that were previously infested with weeds are
to be brought back to native vegetation. Revegetation
involves a great deal of planning, including site preparation
before trees, shrubs, and ground covers can be planted.
Council and The Friends of The Grange are continually
undertaking planting of indigenous plants and over 1500
plants of many different species are propagated annually from local seed
stock to rehabilitate The Grange and adjacent areas.
Seed Collection
Native seed from over 50 species of plants in the Grange is
collected each year, often with the help of the Friends
Group. It is undertaken with a license. Only 5% of seed
produced by each plant is taken so that there is adequate
amount of seed for regeneration in that area. Seedlings grown
from seed collection are sown into the areas from where they
are collected. Native seed collection can only be undertaken
with a licence.
Plant Propagation
There are a number of techniques used for plant propagation.
These depend on the type of plant to be grown. The most
common types of propagation are cuttings and sowing
seed. Root
division and layering are also used. Plant
materials such as seed, branches or rootstock are collected
from within The Grange. This ensures that the plants used are
indigenous.
Site and Species Selection
Areas that are revegetated are selected according to the
Vegetation Plan plan for The Grange. The plant species used
in revegetation are chosen to match the vegetation
community surrounding it. In this way the plants used
will be best adapted to grow and thrive in that area. Ecotones are replanted with a
blend of plants best suited to these conditions.
Community Involvement
The Grange has benefited from the community involvement in
revegetation. There has been a strong history of support for
Planting Days and Open Days at The Grange. Many members of
the local community, including residents and school children,
have joined in the rewarding work of re-establishing native
vegetation in the reserve.
Site Preparation and
Maintenance
Site Preparation occurs prior to planting.The site is cleared
or sprayed to destroy all weeds to minimise competition with
the native plants. The site is not mulched in The Grange
because:
-
It may bring in weed seed
-
It brings organic matter to the poor soils
-
It suppresses stored seed
-
Weeds tend to come up around plants
Community Planting Day
Wells are formed around planted seedlings to assist watering.
They are then removed by smoothing the sand. After the site
has been revegetated it will be monitored and regularly
maintained. This is to remove weeds that return, in order to
optimise seedling survival.
Community Planting Day