99 GROWMASTER TRARALGON – A unique wonderland

A unique wonderland words by Anita Butterworth | Photos by Doug Pell

It’s a mecca for garden lovers and unique gift-seekers, and now that spring has sprung, Grow Master Traralgon is positively blooming.

An award-winning Garden Centre at a National Level, at the helm of the much-loved store are Craig and Debbie Goodman, who continue to steer the business from strength to strength. Despite the Covid-era uncertainty, the couple is still sourcing rare plants and uncommon gifts and home wares, for a community that’s supported them for more than 35 years.

Formerly known as Van Berkels Nursery, the business was founded by Len Van Berkel in 1964. Brothers Arch and Henny later purchasing it from their father.

Craig Goodman graduated from a three-year Tertiary Education in Horticulture, at Burnley Horticulture College and in 1983 was employed as manager of the Garden Centre, before purchasing the business in 1986.

In 1993 Van Berkels Nursery joined the Grow Master Nurseries Group, with Craig becoming one of the seven original founders. The nursery changed its name to Grow Master Traralgon in 2000 and since then, it’s grown and flourished; with the home wares and garden décor given just as much weight as the plants and landscaping.

From fruit trees to flowers, natives to new varieties, indoor and outdoor – the plant range is vast. Coupled with a huge array of home and garden décor, an exquisitely styled showroom and lovingly tended garden displays filled with birdsong, Grow Master Traralgon is somewhere to lose yourself on a glorious spring day.

Many customers come with the intention of buying outdoor plants, but before they step foot outside, they find themselves browsing and purchasing in the shop. The range of exclusive products is carefully selected, to include quality items that are different and unique.

Grow Master Traralgon is renowned for its huge range and customers are assured they’ll find something different. Craig travels all around Australia sourcing plants and stock and their customer base covers all ages, travelling from afar and interstate.

In the latter part of the year, Grow Master becomes a Christmas wonderland, with a famous display of incredible décor, decorations and stunning, soaring Christmas trees. It brings the Christmas spirit alive for all ages. From grandparents to children, Grow Master Traralgon is the place to find every piece of Christmas shopping.

Grow Master Traralgon’s beautiful candle and fragrance range ‘Scarlet and Grace’ is sourced from Gippsland. There are also cards that are designed and hand painted by one of the staff and printed in Traralgon. It’s just part of the large selection of Australianmade products stocked at the store.

And it’s not just the store itself that’s a draw card, but the expert advice from staff. They have qualified Horticulturists at hand, with over 100 years’ combined experience. When people come in, they know that they’re going to get the right advice, thanks to the dedicated, knowledgeable staff, who are enthusiastic avid gardeners.

In December 2012, Grow Master Traralgon was razed to the ground in a blaze that shocked the Latrobe Valley community. Much like the Australian bush blooms beautifully after fire, Grow Master Traralgon has continued to grow since its triumphant reopening in 2013. At the core of its success is the community that returns time after time. Grow Master Traralgon prides itself with attention to design and innovation of garden concepts, and providing quality, dependable and reputable garden products and supplies.

Grow Master Traralgon − ‘A must-visit all year round’

Owner Craig Goodman

Angela with owner Deb Goodman