Vetiver

Vetiver Cultivation

I found this link very informative for the permaculture possibilities of vetiver. I love the smell. The essential oil comes from the roots of the plant and is very expensive. Vetiver is a blend of green, smokey and woodsy all rolled into one. I make a solid perfume of vetiver using beeswax and olive oil. If anyone wants the recipe let me know. Getting back to the permaculture aspects. It has great soil erosion control because the roots spread downward many feet. It grows well in wet areas but is also drought tolerant. It catches runoff water on terraced hillsides and helps to accumulate soil and stuff. You can cut the blades off grass and use it for mulch. Anyone have any experience growing this plant? I'd like to know what you think. I want to grow some in my yard, and I'm not sure were to put it or what to do with it.

I'm also interested in folks experience with this plant. Apparently the 'Sunshine' variety is considered non-invasive even in Hawaii. I've read a bunch of stuff here: http://vetivernetinternational.blogspot.com/ and I see that a trial pack of 6 plants can be bought here: http://agrifloratropicals.com/vetiver-grass-trial-packs/ The USDA has a free publication about vetiver here: http://agrifloratropicals.com/usda-vetiver-plant-guide/

I wonder how deer /rabbits treat this plant, if they need protection from browsing when first becoming established...

Joy,

You know anyone growing in the Sonoran desert? I have not run across it yet in the Chihuahuan desert, but have been tempted to give it a try.

Kevin

I tend to focus on plants and techniques that don't look too out of place in my suburban environment. This looks like a wonderful alternative to a lot of the popular bunch grasses that tend to spread out of control.

I think I'm gonna add it to the list for when I plant the mixed hedge edge around my gardens. The list is now officially long enough that I'm writing it down.