MT EVELYN GARDEN CENTRE SECURES A PIECE OF HISTORY

Mt Evelyn Garden Centre secures a piece of history

An iconic 1947 W-Class tram has made its final stop at Mt Evelyn Garden Centre, bringing a piece of Melbourne’s rich public transport history home to the Yarra Valley.

By Julie Melbourne, Manager, Mt Evelyn Garden Centre

As many within the nursery industry know Baz Humphris is always ready to try something new. He is well known for his phrases like “give it a crack” and that is what he has done. In October 2016 the government announced the formation of a reference group to formulate a strategy for over 237 W-class trams.

Following an audit, a balance of 134 trams had a condition or significance that did not lend them to being preserved for operation. These trams were offered to the public by the State Government under the expressions of interest process. More than 1500 applications were received, and Baz Humphris and Mt Evelyn Garden Centre were one of the lucky ones.

Manager of Mount Evelyn Garden Centre Julie Melbourne said that when owners Barry and Rebecca Humpris saw tenders advertised, the opportunity to bring a rare attraction to their nursery and Mount Evelyn was something they could not pass up. “The purpose was to bring a part of Melbourne to the Yarra Valley,” Ms Melbourne said.

“It completes the experience for our customers, making it a great destination to visit,” she said.

With the help of two crane trucks, the slice of history took its place at the nursery earlier in the year and is set to enjoy its retirement as part of a new outdoor eatery. As a condition of the tender, the tram will remain in its current well-travelled condition and provide eatery seating and a historical experience to visitors.

W-class trams are one of Melbourne’s true icons and were introduced in 1923. The 927 tram that now resides at Mt Evelyn Garden Centre was originally built in 1947. It first travelled along the new city circle tracks in Spring Street and around the suburbs of Preston.

In the coming months the tram will take on a new role as the “Tram Expresso”. A unique place where customers can come and enjoy alfresco dining with some light eats and drinks all year round while continuing to enjoy all Mt Evelyn Garden Centre has to offer.

“It’s exciting to secure a piece of iconic Victorian history and to be able to give our customers that experience. It’s a great addition to the garden centre,” said Barry.

Mt Evelyn Garden Centre, owned by Barry and Rebecca Humphris, is situated at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, the gateway to the Yarra Valley. The site was once home to miners who had dug around in hope of striking it rich. In 1972 a general nursery was developed.

Barry and Rebecca Humphris purchased the property and took over in 2004 as a side venture to Humphris Nursery. As Humphris is solely a wholesale business the opportunity to be involved in a retail nursery was something Baz and Rebecca were drawn to.

Matthew Parker was given the role of nursery manager where for 15 years he was a much-appreciated member of the Mt Evelyn Garden Centre team. He was very well respected by the local community for his care and horticulture knowledge. Mat has since moved on to a senior role within the Humphris Nursery sales team.

Over recent years the garden centre has seen some exciting changes. It’s been transformed from a basic shed to an impressive destination with a simple, natural and rustic feel. Mount Evelyn Garden Centre offers its visitors a relaxing and inviting place to spend time. Julie Melbourne has taken over the challenge of managing the Garden Centre. Julie has a very keen eye in giftware and with her team of experienced and qualified horticulturalists, working alongside young enthusiastic green thumbs, Mount Evelyn Garden Centre is now a vibrant and inspiring retail nursery attracting a new customer base from further afield.