AusBonsai

I guys, been lurking around here, reading about privets and got so enthused that I got to the point where I went for a walk along a local creek, to check out if there might be privet........
Privet, wild fennel and lantana everywhere!!
It backs onto fenced private properties on one side and a local clubs' football fields on the other.
When is the best time for collecting privet out of nature?
I was wondering about permission to do so as well.
Do I need permission?
Has anyone had experiance in dealing with local councils re this?
Do I need to seek the water board authority permission, as this creek is in a catchment area and removing some trees will destabilise the creeks banks?
Also I've been wondering about soil type to keep them in during the training period as well as while in a bonsai pot?
Any help will be great.
Thanks.
Gianni

Hey Gianni,

Privet can be collected at any time of year tho spring is the best time. Outside of that extra after care would be needed but they are so tough I have had no trouble at anytime of year..

These guys are mega tough, I was given one a while back by a mate, he had dug it out & then forgot it for 6wks, just sitting on the concrete with almost no soil or root. Soaked potted & given a protected spot it is now well on its way. I have also had stumps sit for up to a year with no signs of life only for them to spring away in a few weeks once they decided to go.

I have not dealt with councils etc and to be honest I would try to avoid letting them know anything. Get in touch with the local landcare group, they are always doing remediation works around the lake & would be more than happy to have another volunteer helping remove weed species and as a bonus you will get the stumps

Use whatever soil you do for the rest of your trees, even the worst soils wont bother them too much. A good open mix will give the best growth as with all trees.

Look forward to seeing what you end up with for the efforts.

Matt

"and as a bonus you will get the stumps"

Not down my way, the must be taken in an enclosed trailer to be destroyed, or a secure place for storage with screened drains, prior to destroying them.

i personally would just grab a few and be done with it, don't take the ones holding the bank together though.

Thanks guys!
Gianni