NEXTGEN: BLAIR WHITTEN

Interview with NextGen BLAIR WHITTEN

Top Ten Trees

Where do you work and what is your role?

I work at Top Ten Trees in Baxter. We’re a wholesale plant nursery who specialise in high quality trees and shrubs, and I am a first-year nursery apprentice working for my boss and father, Damien Whitten.

Although I am a first-year apprentice, I’ve been working at Top Ten Trees for two years, during this time I’ve progressed from general nursery hand up to picking out and detailing orders for retailers, as well as potting up tube and 6” stock into 10” pots which we specialise in.

What do you like most about the nursery industry?

Personally, I love working in the outdoors all year round, although it can be challenging during winter, the sunny days definitely outweigh the rainy ones.

The people within the industry are also so connected with one another, and welcoming to the younger generation which just makes getting involved and learning everything that little bit easier. How did you end up working in the industry?

My father Damien Whitten has been in the industry for three and half decades, this has definitely pulled my interests into the direction of horticulture and ultimately encouraged me to join the industry. I have also been very intrigued by plantlife from a young age, and the importance of plants for the survival of our planet.

Where would you like your career to go to within the industry?

I’m currently loving my employment at Top Ten Trees, I’m enjoying learning all aspects of nursery and I look forward to helping the business grow in the future.

Plants have always been a passion my entire life and I’ve had the privilege to watch this business grow and develop into what it is today. I hope one day I’ll be able to have the privilege of helping grow Top Ten Trees for many years to come.

Are you currently studying and if Yes, where and what?

I’m currently studying my first year for a certificate III in Nursery Operations through Peninsula Training and Employment.

What’s a typical day like?

Each day at work differs depending on what department I’m allocated to on that day.

Days where I’m potting, I’ll typically aim to personally pot 400-600 plants into 10” pots either from tube stock or 6” stock using a pot filling machine. This involves de-potting, weeding, potting, pruning, staking, taping and watering in each individual plant.

Any other day I’ll be working on orders, which involves picking out stock, weeding, staking and top dressing each plant for retailers.

Are any of your family members in the horticultural industry?

All of my immediate family work alongside me at Top Ten Trees. My mum and dad own and operate he business and my brother works as the truck driver.

My grandad Graeme Whitten has also worked in horticulture for 50 odd years in both wholesale and retail nurseries.

What do you do in your spare time?

My whole life I’ve been into water sports, such as, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and skiing, as well as playing tennis. Typically, I go to the gym 5 days a week and listen to a wide range of music and podcasts.

I’m a very social person and often catchup with friends when I’m not working. But mostly I love going away camping on the Murray River with friends and family any chance I get.

About NextGen

The Victorian nursery and garden industry is full of young, enthusiastic people, who are shaping the industry of the future. NGIV's NextGen is a forum for people under 35 years of age to meet, exchange ideas and hone their leadership skills.

NextGen provides a unique opportunity for young horticulturalists to form networks and develop their careers, learn more about the industry, and have fun.

Top Ten Trees is a family owned and operated wholesale plant nursery dedicated to growing high-quality trees and shrubs for customers across Melbourne, Country Victoria, New South Wales, Canberra and South Australia.

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