NNNorthern Valley News
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
Page 12-13
Farmgate figs
Page 4
46
2015
La Salle bus update
Australia Day Awards and celebrations
february
Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New
Tamieka Preston
Biting into a ripe fresh fig is one of the great joys of the late summer – the dense jammy taste a rewarding product of long, hot January days. If you’re a fan of this fantastic fruit you’re in luck – they are in season this month in the Northern Valleys and several local orchardists and hobby farmers are offering them for sale at farm gates around the region. High supermarket prices inspired Bindoon citrus grower Dennis Boyanich to sell the fruit from his 3 and a half year old black Genoa fig trees at his farm gate. “I had a few trees, and they were doing that well, I was just giving the fruit away,” he recalls. “Then I was in the shop one day and they were asking $19 a kilo for figs and I thought I may as well sell a few.” At $11 a kilo they’re a tasty bargain. Dennis and wife Heather took on the orchard farm as a ‘hobby’ after Dennis’s father, who owned the property for 30 years, passed away. Dennis has been busy tidying-up since selling up their mixed farming enterprise and contracting business in Bruce Rock three years ago and moving permanently to Bindoon. He has replaced the 12 acres of old currant vines with 2000 mandarin and orange trees to supplement the existing 900 tree orchard and has irrigated the lot. Last year they sold approximately 2000 cases of mandarins and 7000 cases of oranges primarily via Canning Vale markets. However Dennis is somewhat disillusioned with the industry. “Coles and Woollies have a list this long about the quality of fruit they require, but most of it is tasteless. If it’s got a blemish on it it’s not good enough! They should be testing for sugar and acid levels not just looking at appearance.” He places his own quality control on all the fruit he sells and won’t sell it if it’s not sweet. So if you are driving past Dennis and Heather’s orchard on the corner of the Great Northern Hwy and Settlement Rd north of the Bindoon townsite, you’ll be assured of a fresh, tasty bounty – this month it’s generous treeripened figs. They were probably picked that morning by Dennis, perhaps with the help of granddaughters Alysha and Talia.
Rental Properties Wanted
regan’s ford
$865,000
bindoon
$595,000 to $620,000
bindoon
$390,000
Michele Watters recently joined our team to manage our growing portfolio of rental properties in Bindoon, Chittering, Moora and surrounding areas. If you have a rental property requiring professional management, call Michele at our Bindoon office on 9576 0626. • High demand for rental properties Michele Watters 0488 220 413.
915 Woodbine Road • 122 lush acres of wildflowers and tall timbers. • 800m of absolute Moore River frontage. • Amazing, unique two story house with polished Jarrah floorboards. • Stunning open plan bedrooms that overlook the main living area. • Gourmet chef’s kitchen, with Marri benchtops.
36 Sandpiper Mews • Very versatile property offering gorgeous views large 5 bedroom brick home with low maintenance established gardens. • Outside features include 3 paddocks, two large workshops, two car carport, aviaries, scheme water, chook pen and a fantastic outdoor entertaining area.
6610 Great Northern Hwy, Best Buy in Bindoon – Make an Offer • Solid 3x1 brick and tile home is on 5 acres • Ducted air-con, wood heater and gas hot water. • Beautiful views to the surrounding hills. • The property also has a dirt bike track, 6m x 9m shed, bore and 3 water tanks. Ideal property for horses or a home business.
Dave Evans 0422 898 777
Amy McAuliffe 0400 298 884
Craig Hyne 0448 825 833