PROFILE: JD PROPAGATION
JD Propagation opens supply up to Australia By Bobby Birch, JD Propagation One of the fastest growing propagation businesses in Australia, JD Propagation has recently announced their intent to supply all wholesale nurseries in Australia. Growing young plants out of season is a challenge that needs to be fully embraced and not feared. This is a specialist part of the industry that requires 100 per cent focus on propagation in order to provide a quality plug tray. The fact is, it takes a dedicated team of passionate people seven days a week, 365 days a year to consistently produce a quality plug and reliable service.
How it all began Dan Patience has always had an obsession with horticulture. Over 25 years ago, Dan would frequent the local nursery retailers with his mum and empty her purse in exchange for plants and potting mix. In 1997 Dan began a Diploma of Horticulture at Burnley. Six months later he had a need to get entrenched in the industry. This is when Dan secured a job at the largest bedding plant nursery in Victoria; FLORIANA. It was here that he gained a huge amount of knowledge from the likes of Dick Wall and his family, and Production Manager Bruce Wallace. Dan then moved onto Humphris Nursery where
Barry Humphris also shared a lot of his expertise and knowledge with Dan. After 10 years in the industry Dan had a brief break, but Jen knew that he would re-enter the industry again. In 2009, an opportunity opened in the industry to supply plugs to wholesalers, so that demands could be met in the retail market. With Dan’s many years of growing experience and Jen’s business knowledge they put together a plan to create a propagation nursey. Haars Nursery were Jen and Dan’s first customer, and they provided a solid volume for JD Propagation to enter the industry. It all began with four humble greenhouse structures which they built on Jen’s mum and dad’s farm. Back then they worked long days, seven days a week, with helping hands of family when they had time. It was a very testing time for the two of them, but with many long reassuring chats with the likes of Dave Smith from Bangalay Tubes and Carl Van Loon of Powerplants, Jen and Dan pushed on and grew to love what they did more and more each day.
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GROUNDSWELL DECEMBER 2021
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