About Us
Hi, we’re Lavello Estate. Meet the team behind the nursery.
Meet Robert and Rebecca, master growers of poplar and willows poles and now mushrooms and lavender. Hence, Lavello – lavender + willow.
You’ll find Lavello Estate, a 20-hectare property, in Aokautere, Palmerston North. Originally developed by then Ministry of Works Soil Conservation Division, Robert and Rebecca purchased the nursery in 2007 making it the largest privately owned poplar pole nursery in New Zealand.
Robert
Robert has been involved in the erosion control business for over 22 years, so you can rest assured he has the knowledge to put you right.
Rebecca
Rebecca has a background in aromatherapy, which drew her to growing lavender.
Together, they previously owned and operated RST Environmental Solutions for 21 years.
It’s not just Robert and Rebecca though, you’ll also find a flock of free-range chickens running around Lavello Estate. You heard that right, this team have taken a leaf from the permaculture handbook and are letting the chickens do the hard yards.
Our Nursery
The nursery, where good things come to grow.
Lavello Estate nursery is filled with poplar and willow poles, mushroom varieties, and shortly, lavender. Each has their own unique traits, uses and benefits. Each species has a profile to help you choose which is right for you.
Lavello Estate harvest the poplar and willow poles from mid-late May until the end of August. Although poles are generally planted in June and July, planting can occur until October. Please note, the survival rate of the poles may decline the later the planting.
We are more than happy to provide pollination times for our willow species. This may be particularly useful for beekeepers looking to increase pollen supply around their apiaries.
So, you’ve got your poles, now to get them growing. If you have a delay in planting, it will pay to soak your poles in water. Planting 3 metre poles is usually done by ramming the poles into the ground, ideally to 800mm but to at least 600mm. They can be dug in, or you could use a drill or post hole borer. It is very important that the hole is closed at the top and well compacted. The ideal auger size is 60mm, if using a borer for a 3 metre pole. Smaller sizes can be used for shorter poles. Once the soil temperatures rise, the poles will sprout their buds and grow. The roots generally start to grow in the upper soil profile whilst the lower part of the pole acts as an anchor to hold it steady. Pole protector sleeves should be used if cattle are present.
If you are planting a fence line for shelter an electric fence is a good way to protect your trees. This also allows you to use shorter poles, which are cheaper.
Poplar poles are a great way to tackle erosion control on your farm. Lavello Estate have six of the most in demand poplar pole species available for purchase. Learn more about poplars’ role in New Zealand.
If you are planting a fence line for shelter an electric fence is a good way to protect your trees. This also allows you to use shorter poles, which are cheaper.
Willows are an ideal species for landowners looking for gully, stream and river erosion control. Willow species can also reinforce protection where debris, dams and other gully structures, or riverbank works have been carried out.
If you are planting a fence line for shelter an electric fence is a good way to protect your trees. This also allows you to use shorter poles, which are cheaper.
Mushrooms have incredible health benefits. Whether powdered or fresh, these fungi are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With health benefits including reduced blood pressure and a boosted immune system, now is the time to incorporate them into your diet.
If you are planting a fence line for shelter an electric fence is a good way to protect your trees. This also allows you to use shorter poles, which are cheaper.
