about us

Diversity Native Seeds specialises in bulk native seed for use in direct seeding. For selected species we also supply smaller quantities suitable for nursery production. We are Australian native seed specialists and stock no exotic species. You can take advantage of our native seed expertise as we provide advice on all native seed issues such as species selection, genetic quality and direct seeding techniques.   

Our focus is on building a reliable supply of key eastern states revegetation species. In particular we target species belonging to widespread vegetation communities that have been greatly affected by land clearing (for example White Box Grassy Woodland). We also target species used for mine revegetation, particularly in the Hunter Valley, western NSW and south-east and central Queensland. We aim to provide customers with quality native seed posessing maximum genetic diversity and vigour, and with maximum chance of successful establishment. 

As revegetation techniques improve it is likely that greater emphasis will be placed on understorey species diversity. To help facilitate greater diversity we aim to make available seed of understorey shrubs, grasses and forbs in addition to key canopy trees and dominant shrub species.

Seed sources

We collect our native seed from wild stands and from seed orchards we have established at our property “Sarana” near Coonabarabran NSW. This region features spectacular volcanic rock formations, abundant wildlife and the famous Warrumbungle National Park and Pilliga Scrub. The rainfall is particularly high for such an inland area and there is a mosaic of low-nutrient sandstone and richer volcanic soils. As a result of these factors the region supports a rich diversity of native seed plants, from Flannel Flowers to Port Jackson Figs, Ironbarks to Manna Gums and White Box to River Oaks.

These factors also allow a very wide range of native seeds to be cultivated on our farm. Our native seed orchards include species as diverse as high-rainfall/cold climate species such as Snow Gums to largely coastal species such as Lemon Scented Gum. The plantings are designed to maximise genetic quality of the seeds produced. In addition we purchase native seed harvested by expert collectors based throughout the eastern states. We insist on excellence in botanical identification, provenance record keeping and ecologically sound methods from all our collectors. For more information on these issues, please take a look at a our information pages.

People

Geoff Williams, owner of Diversity Native Seeds, has broad experience and technical expertise in native seed collection and in the design and implementation of broadscale landscapes for ecological and productive values. He has been collecting native seeds on a commercial basis for over fifteen years. With a Master of Applied Science Degree in Horticulture, he also has an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the use and establishment of native seeds and vegetation. He has specific research experience in native seed genetics, having undertaken a research project investigating provenance variation in drought tolerance in selected native trees. 

White Box Grassy Woodland understorey. Demand is increasing for reliable supplies of seed from understorey species.

Native seed orchards at our property Sarana near Coonabarabran NSW

Geoff Williams