In clearing the fireguard area more completely this year we have been able to tackle a large area of Wattle trees and make our own fencing poles and droppers (narrower supporting poles).

The Wattle is a highly invasive foreign species i.e. a weed in Zimbabwe that is out of control. Seeds can stay dormant for 50-70 years so its not going away anytime soon. Based on the clearing of the fireguard last year I can see new saplings (from previous roots) growing to 2.5m high in a single year! That is no joke when it comes to trying to control the spread and growth of this tree.

Wattle trees on the boundary

Loading 3m droppers on the trailer

Loading 3m droppers on the trailer

Wattle droppers loaded up

Arriving at their temporary resting place to be skinned by hand

Below right you can see the already de-barked poles left to dry in the sun.

Ramius and crew unload

Off they come

Mid air wattle

Garikai with de-barked pole

Wattle pole before drying

Still very heavy as you can see

Wattle poles after a month or so of drying in the sun

OK lets end with a true local botanical – at least in the foreground (wattle and pine in the background of both pictures below – you see the challenge!)

Indigenous aloe in winter bloom. Mufenge to left and right.

Aloe arborescens blooming on Hornbydale