At Orari Nursery, almost all of our native plants are propagated from seed or cuttings collected between the Rakaia River and the Waitaki River, from the Canterbury Plains through to the foothills, high country and, where appropriate, the Southern Alps.
Where possible, we source seed from naturally occurring populations as close as practical to their original environment. This helps ensure the plants retain the hardiness and characteristics that have developed over generations in local conditions.
Eco sourcing is the collection of seed or propagation material from native plants growing naturally within, or close to, the area where they will eventually be planted.
Using locally sourced genetics helps to:
These are the same principles promoted by restoration organisations and councils throughout New Zealand.
For restoration projects requiring plants from a specific ecological area, we can grow eco-sourced plants to order.
We recommend allowing at least 12 months, and preferably longer, for eco-sourced contracts so seed can be collected, propagated and grown to planting size.
Many of our customers also collect seed from their own properties or restoration sites. We're happy to propagate and grow these plants on for your project.
From riparian planting and wetland restoration to farm shelter, biodiversity enhancement and large-scale revegetation, we're committed to supplying hardy native plants that are well suited to Canterbury conditions.