Hi all, I'm wondering where I can get hold of some vetiver grass in the Brisbane region? I would like to try using it along a 30m drainage channel, but have no idea where to get hold of it. I know that someone, somewhere, must propagate immense amounts of the stuff because it gets used for some huge projects in QLD. Cheers, Mick
G'day MIck, Greenpatch seeds sell them if nobody has a closer source for you. https://www.greenpatchseeds.com.au/barerooted.html cheers Kurt
Thanks Kurt, Looks like a *very* expensive way to get it, but I guess I could buy a few and divide them next year. Mick
If they are still there, try the CSIRO research station out at Samford. They were using it in their research some years ago. They were shutting down though so they might not be there any more. Try the Brisbane CSIRO main switchboard number. DPI might have some around as well. Gatton Ag college were also using it but they have undergone a lot of organisational and structural changes in the past few years so may not be still doing that sort of work. Good luck.
I've done some internet research into the availablility of vetiver, having come to the conclusion that it would be a good solution to some erosion problems I have in the gully at my place. Unfortunatelly the experts in Aus seem to be uninterested in helping us little folk to get our hands on the stuff - eventhough it would appear that they have been funed by government grants to research its use in areas such as those which we wish it for (erosion control - revegetation etc). I'm half inclined to go to one of the areas that a project has been performed using vetiver and help myself.
Yes, I'm coming to the same conclusion. I'm actually working at the Dept of Natural Resources these days; they have a great fact sheet on using it, but no sources I can find for obtaining it. I think I'll just buy a few from Greenpatch and try to multiply them. Mick
G'day Mick, We have plenty of Vetiver grass that self seeds here in my little part of the world!! When i saw you on Sunday i didnt realise you had posted so i could've told you then. Next time i am in Brissie i can bring some in for you; or we can go dig up some clumps that grow along the side of the road and on council land just accross the road from me. Personally i have been waiting till spring b4 i dig some up for my place. The fact that it self seeds is a bonus i reckon. Cheers... Dave PS. Welcome to the forum.... your knowledge and experience in Permaculture will be welcome i'm sure :lol:
I'm keen to get hold of the strain that doesn't self seed. This is the type referred to in the DNR publication referred to by alfamick. I think its called monto vetiver. I wonder what type the one is that is sold by the green.... (can't remember their name - always get it confused with greenharvest).
Hey Dave, Sounds great; but yes, I was actually trying to get the Monto variety which is the one they use for all the public projects etc. up here. It has been proven to never set viable seed. Since the stuff seems to grow so strongly and lasts 50 years, I was a bit cautious about introducing a self-seeding one around here. Then again, it's probably along the side of our road too - I may well not recognize it! I've got this nasty bit of erosion going on in the built-up bit behind the pool, and I was thinking of trying to control it with vetiver. So if I can't find the sterile stuff, I may just come down your way with a spade... BTW, it's still pretty cold overnight - 3 degrees when I left for work this morning so may just wait a little longer before our big trip to Daleys! Mick
I contacted greenpatch by e-mail to determine whether their vetiver is a sterile variety. They replied saying that they think it is as it has only headed a couple of times over the years and has never set seed. I guess buying 8 plants from there is a reasonable option - after all exponential increase in plants achieved through dividing would result in a huge number of plants within a couple of years (assuming a couple of divisions a years - say 8x8x8x8 = 4096.
Found some! OK, I contacted Paul Truong of Veticon Consulting, apparently he is the expert on Vetiver, and he sent the following reply: Hello Mick No problem I have a nursery at Goodna. But it is too cold and dry now, wait till late October and November to plant out. I am going overseas this Friday, so please remind me again around mid October to arrange for your pick up. Paul If you search on Google for Veticon you can quickly find his website. Sorry, don't know the botanical name off-hand. I know there is a fact sheet on the nrm.qld.gov.au website. Mick
there you go - pays to ask doesn't it. I e-mailed Paul last week as well as pretty much got the same reply. He queried quatity needed and asked some more questions about my desired use. I've now asked him for minimum order and cost details and await a response.
Hi Mick, Guess you found what your after then... may have to grab a couple when you pick yours up in Oct then. Still very cold here too... the locals reckon it wont last much longer though! I'm planning to go to Coffs Harbour around the weekend of 11th Sept so will make a stop on the way back at Daleys and see what they have. **Their website also has some good info on what techniques and materials to use to protect against frosts.... i know this was on another thread but too lazy to put it their Cheers.... Dave
Vetiver Vetiver fans may want to check the Vetiver Network website, https://www.vetiver.org. Rikki, vetiver's botanical name is Vetiveria zizanioides. And yes, send me an email when you get time! Mont
