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Local fern business keeps on growing

By City of Latrobe - 22nd March 2005 - Back to News

Tucked away in a corner of Boolarra is a business success story that is perhaps better known outside Latrobe City than locally. Boolarra Plants, owned and operated by Rob and Marietta Herni, has grown and expanded well beyond expectations, over almost three years, and is now the busiest fern nursery in Victoria.

Invest Latrobe Investment Manager, Leo Billington, said the business was the result of a labour of love extended over many years.

"The Hernis began growing ferns as a hobby some 35 years ago and the business has just grown from there. Boolarra Plants specialises in over 100 Australian and introduced species of ferns. However, this is only a fraction of what exists in total, as there are about 9,500 different species in the world.

"The local environment has also provided an extensive resource for the Hernis to gain their expertise. For example, the Morwell National Park has numerous species growing within its boundaries, which have provided an extensive knowledge base that the Hernis have used to their advantage," Mr Billington said.

Mr Billington said that the Herni’s business is mainly in wholesaling throughout Victoria but retail sales do account for important cash flow as well.

"Part of the attraction is the sheer range of ferns available, with enchanting names such as Kangaroo ferns, Rough Tree, Mother Spleenwort, Maidenhair, Hen and Chicken, Fishbone and Water ferns, and the magnificent Elks and Stags. There are even volunteer ferns, which are those that are basically self-sown on the nursery floor. They volunteer themselves to be potted on for sale," Mr Billington said.

Rob Herni added that alongside the many ferns for sale, they were the custodians of a magnificent Stag fern, over 32 years old and measuring at least two metres across.

"It is our piece de resistance, originally owned by a Yallourn resident and is for viewing only. It is almost a national treasure, an heirloom of the Latrobe Valley," Mr Herni explained.

"Equally imposing but not as old is one of our Elk ferns measuring at least one-metre square. We do grow some of this type of fern from spores but it is more cost efficient to purchase young Stags and Elks in lots of 1000 and grow them on.

"We were also given an extremely healthy King fern from which we take spore and then send the spore to Queensland for propagation and, in turn, we receive the small fern plugs about 12 months later to grow on," Mr Herni said.

"Elk ferns from northern macadamia farms are grown on. These ferns are self-sown on the trees as the spore spreads and become a nuisance. However, for us, they are an invaluable supply of a scarce plant very worthy of preservation," Mr Herni added.

According to Mr Herni, Boolarra Plants not only grow on and sell these beautiful plants but are also trying to help preserve these national icons.

"Our tree ferns are officially tagged by government authorities to authenticate their legal procurement. If people understand that the supply of tree ferns is at a critical stage, it may help convince others of the need to protect these elegant plants. These trees grow about five centimetres each year and can be easily destroyed. The public can help with the preservation process by ensuring that they only buy tree ferns that are tagged," Mr Herni advised.

According to Leo Billington, Latrobe City’s small town communities hold many secrets when it comes to businesses as unique as Boolarra Plants.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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