I'm in the suberbs so not exactly spoilt for choice. Anyhow a property I new about had a small avenue
of European olives around their driveway and several years ago I spotted them for future possibilities.
As time went by the suburban sprawl spread over the whole valley and up to this property. The property's new
owners the developers were not interested in letting me dig out any trees. So I waited for the demolition crew.
They also were not very open to my digging idea [something about insurance].
On my last visit just recently the demo crew had clear felled the old gardens, house and about
half the 5acre property. The barn along with the olives and other trees was next. I came back at 4pm as they were
leaving and went to work. Naturally I had all my collecting utensils in the back of the van[as usual] but added the
chainsaw, it was an olive after all. I had a bit over an hour of daylight.
The dig was clearly meant to be I tell myself. Well it turned out to be growing in nice soft sandy soil
. From 20 trees I found the smallest that looked like I may be able to get it into the car on my own, after trimming.
When finished it was just getting dark so that it was one of the easiest collecting I have done, very surprised
I now know what others mean when they say 'be patient' and keep looking, don't rush!! There are lots of places to collect
natives around my place but not too many chances for olives . Hope pics are OK.
You can see on potted pic that I already started carving work, no dremels or die grinders needed, only fine ' Stihl' work
cheers [keep on collecting]
