Reveg & Protea Farming Stock Size
Revegetation and farming plants can be both costly and heart-breaking work. Here at G’s Lane Esk, we do both reveg planting and farm planting. Our farmed plants include a wide array of Protea plants, which are our pride and joy.
We started approximately three years ago with just six plants as a small test. Since then, our farm has grown significantly, despite experiencing small losses each year. Currently, we have 68 Protea plants thriving on the property, back at the start of planting season for 2025 we had 71, so yes we have lost a few.
We purchase our plants from various sources. Some come from larger companies like Bunnings, usually in 140mm pots, which come with a higher price tag, and everyone has an opinion on Bunnings plants. We source most of our Proteas from Protea World, generally in 75mm pots, which are much smaller. While these smaller plants require more patience and care at the start of their journey at G's Lane, we believe this helps them establish stronger roots and prepares them to be more resilient over their lifetime—at least in theory! Not only are the smaller plants much more affordable in the long term, but if one doesn’t make it, the grief is a little easier to bear knowing we invested in a budget-friendly option. That said, every lost plant still tugs at the heartstrings!
Even with the best care, it’s always hard when a plant dies. The loss isn’t just financial; it’s also the time and effort you invest. Weather events, animals, or the plant simply not thriving can all contribute to heartbreak in farming.
Revegetation Work at G’s Lane Esk
Reveg work is another passion of ours. We are fortunate to participate in our local council’s Free Tree Day, which provides free plants for ratepayers. With our property spanning more than 8 hectares, we can receive 20 free trees each year.
In addition, we are proud members of the Land for Wildlife program, which allows us to collect leftover plants from Free Tree Day. Over the last few years, we have focused on planting Koala food trees, but this year we expanded our focus to include bird- and bee-friendly trees. Our recent planting included an assortment of Banksias, Callistemons, and Rice Flowers.
Each year, we plant approximately 100 extra trees as part of the program. The council stock comes as tube stock approx. 50mm pots, which is relatively easy to care for. While we have experienced some losses, we’ve also had great success rates. These plants are “plant and forget”—we give them a little water on the day of planting and then let them grow naturally.
Reflections on Farming and Revegetation
Running a farm that combines both Protea farming and revegetation is rewarding, but it comes with challenges. Every plant requires care, patience, and dedication, and sometimes, despite all your efforts, nature has other plans. However, seeing these plants thrive—no mater their end purpose it is incredibly fulfilling.
We continue to learn from each planting season and look forward to seeing our Proteas, trees, and native plants grow stronger every year.
