The Grove

We bought 6.4 Hectates of prime coastal land in 1994. Prior to this purchase the land had been fallow for several years. Approximately 2 ha were planted in pine trees (2 yrs old in 1994). An irrigation pond was dug in 1995. This is a seepage pond sunk below the water table with a monitoring bore installed halfway between the pond and the ocean and is monitored regularly to determine any salt intrusion.

We planted the olive trees in Dec 1997, Jan 1998. Ruby Bay Olives is 10 acres of Tuscan Cultivar Olive Trees, Frantoio (60%), Leccino (30%) and Pendolino (10%), chosen for the flavour when pressed for Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Our efforts have been wholly organic, with a certification by Biogro until early 2000 ( it became too expensive to keep). As the years progressed, and the olives were reluctant to crop, we took the drastic step of using non-organic herbicide to tame the couch with spectacular results. In one year our oil production has increased by 877%.

We are committed to growing with soil, plant, human and environment good health our priority and responsibility. We still use organic methods of composting and building the soil humus levels up, but without the ferocious competition from strangulating couch, the trees have thanked us with a bountiful crop and divine golden/green extra virgin olive oil.

We want to leave this place better off for having supported us and our family for years.