Australian Horticultural Trials Week presented by THE GARDEN GURUS

It’s that time of year again, and from 5–8 December, NGIV and Australia's leading breeders and growers are delighted to participate in the 2023 Australian Horticultural Trials Week, presented by The Garden Gurus (featured on Channel 9).

This year’s Horticultural Trials Week promises four exceptional days. Whether you're interested in witnessing the performance of new plants and products, connecting with industry peers, or gaining valuable insights from experts, Trials Week is an event that you do not want to miss.

Presenting Partner

The Garden Gurus as seen on Channel 9

The Garden Gurus and Nine Entertainment Co are celebrating the 21st anniversary of Australia’s longest running garden television series on commercial television, a series that is dedicated to promoting innovation in the garden industry.

Since launching in WA in 2002 Guru Productions have produced over 850 episodes and nearly 7000 stories about new plants and innovative products that make gardening easier or more successful and the series filmed across Australia has been seen in over 86 countries in seven languages.

The Garden Gurus is currently playing across Channel 9 nationally on Saturday afternoons, on 9NOW, and being repeated on 9LIFE nationally with multiple broadcasts. In 2023 Channel 9 have scheduled another two seasons with 30 episodes focused on the autumn and spring seasons and the latest plants, products and services delivered to consumers by the garden industry.

A history of Trials Week

The Australian Horticultural Trials have a relatively short history when compared to the depth of Australia's horticultural heritage Showcasing the best plants and products required a unified effort, and in 2001, in collaboration with Andrew Eason and Fran Coyle from Norwood, John Grafdyk and Ball Australia (Kate Grant), the predecessor to the Australian Horticultural Trials, Hortivations, was established. They all recognised an opportunity for NGIV to demonstrate to broader industry the innovations emerging from Victoria, in a format like the Pack Trials held in the United States.

Hortivations, held at Ball Australia's former site in Keysborough, was originally designed for multiple businesses to present the variety of plants and products available to the wholesale industry The convergence of multiple businesses at Ball Australia’s site to showcase their products attested to the strength and unity of the industry. The shared goals of everyone made the event a success for many years.

In 2016 the Australian Horticultural Trials were conceived. The continuation of the event in a new format, with each business showcasing products on their own site, was predestined, with a rich web of growers, producing innovative and quality products, needing a solid platform from which to showcase to the industry Fundamentally, both events were designed to promote and drive the new varieties that have been sourced locally and internationally, but also to educate and attract, the industry from across the country, on the extensive network of breeders, both locally and internationally.

The relaxed yet professional environment created by AHT participants at their sites each year is perfect for viewing and learning about the quality plants and products and conducting business. It is also an opportunity to network with old and new friends from across the country. There’s something for everyone at Trials Week, from wholesale growers looking for the next product to add to their schedule to retailers and horticultural media seeking to catch a glimpse of the next big thing to hit the shelves and landscapes.

2023 Plant Exhibitors

Light Up Your Year Ahead

Ball Australia

Get ready to light up your year for 2024 with exciting new breeder introductions and marketing programs to help keep you ahead of the game.

A visit to Ball Grower Trials will not disappoint.

Ball Australia is proud to be a part of the Ball Corporations family history and the connections to its global breeders and researchers

This allows us to share with our customers new and exciting varieties that we grow and have on display in our trial gardens. We continue to Colour Your World from all corners of the world.

A chance to get together and catch up, Ball Australia will be hosting the NGIV Tree and Shrub Growers of Victoria breakfast on Wednesday 6 December. Tours of our nursery will be offered for those who attend the breakfast event. Visit the NGIV website for more details.

Contact:

Address: 735 Westernport Hwy, Skye, VIC 3977

Ph: (03) 9798 5355 | E: kateg@ballaustralia.com

www.ballaustralia.com

When: 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December

Nursery Tours held daily at 11 am or 1 pm/Book in on arrival at BGT

PlantFest 2023

Greenhills Propagation Nursery/ Touch of Class Plants

Whether you are a grower, retailer, or media member, we invite you to come and see the latest that Greenhills Propagation Nursery and Touch of Class Plants have to offer.

We have an array of new release plants that we are excited to show you – there is something for everyone at PlantFest!

Site visits will be via appointment only – please register via the website below. If you can’t attend on site, register for a virtual presentation or information booklet.

Contact:

Address: 20 Gillespie Road, Tynong, VIC 3813

Ph: 03 5629 2443 | E: sales@greenhillspropagation.com.au

Register at: www.touchofclassplants.com.au/plantfest

When: 8 am to 3 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December

Stop and Smell the Roses

Anthony Tessalaar Plants

We work with our close network of breeders throughout the world to find new and distinctively different plants to add to our very special collection. Every Anthony Tesselaar plant is a stand-out: each one a simple, straightforward pleasure to grow. Our collection began with the release many years ago of the brilliant Flower Carpet® ground cover rose – which is still the most outstanding performer in landscape roses today.

Since then, we’ve made other great discoveries.

Our plants are more than just lovely: each has also passed long term and rigorous testing in trial gardens around the world –further proof that these gorgeous plants aren’t fussy or tricky to grow. They are trialled over several years to ensure they are environmentally friendly too.

Contact:

Address: (JD Propagation site) 575 Tyabb–Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, VIC 3912

www.tesselaar.com

When: 8.30 am to 4:30 pm Tuesday to Thursday 9 am to 12 pm Friday

Fleming’s Innovation Showcase

Fleming’s Nurseries

From the rich, productive soils of the Dandenong Ranges, Fleming’s have been raising our signature quality trees for over a century. Today, Fleming’s Victorian operation comprises an expansive bare root nursery, container nursery, and advanced tree nursery.

Producing quality plants for the Australian market, Fleming’s are renowned for introducing new varieties for commercial and residential landscapes.

Combining a relaxed wander through our establishing arboretum with displays and discussions of new products, we invite the industry to come and enjoy some time in the hills.

We look forward to sharing our most recent tree and shrub introductions at the Fleming's Innovation Showcase.

Address: 1 Fleming Lane, Monbulk, VIC 3793

Ph: 03 9756 6105 | E: mail@flemings.com.au

www.flemings.com.au

When: 10 am to 3 pm or by appointment, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December

Haars Showcase

Haars Nursery

Join the Haars Team for a Bánh mì or a slice of pizza, fresh from the Wagon!

Walk and talk your way around our spectacular display of genetics and young plant material.

Extensive, unique and innovative.

We work solely with clean, virus-indexed material from our breeders, in high-hygiene environments, to ensure our customers receive the best quality young plant material.

Contact:

Address: Haars Lyndhurst, 605 Thompsons Road, Lyndhurst, VIC 3975 Ph: 03 5973 2999 | E: sales@haarsnursery.com.au

www.haarsnursery.com.au

When: 8 am to 5 pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 December

Helix Australia New Range

Helix Australia

Helix Australia specialises in the breeding, licensing and marketing of new and improved varieties of Waxflower and Boronia. Established in 2008, Helix Australia has become the global leader in Waxflower and Boronia targeting the nursery, landscape and cut flower sectors.

Helix Australia looks forward to launching its exciting new range of compact Waxflower plants at Trials Week 2023. Bred specifically for use in smaller gardens, hedges and in mass commercial landscape plantings, the new range of Waxflower from Helix Australia feature new colours, extended flowering periods and compact forms.

Contact:

Address: (JD Propagation site) 575 Tyabb–Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, VIC 3912 www.helixaustralia.com.au

When: 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 December 9 am to 12 pm, Friday 8 December

A Kaleidoscope of Colour

JD Propagation and Dümmen Orange

Dümmen Orange invites you to “A Kaleidoscope of Colour with JD Propagation” at the JD Propagation trials. We’re thrilled to present this vibrant showcase, where innovation converges with nature’s beauty. JD Propagation, an exclusive Australian licensee for Dummen Orange genetics, takes pride in nurturing these exceptional plants.

Dümmen Orange introduces fresh product innovations tailored for the Australian market. This collection promises to enthrall both experts and enthusiasts alike. Explore not only the flora but also finely crafted Point of Sale (POS) materials like elegant pot labels, offering a glimpse into the future of retail solutions.

Register now for a personalised visit and immerse yourself in this horticultural marvel. Wander through lush surroundings, getting up close with Dümmen Orange's offerings. Join Josep Padrosa, their distinguished product expert from Spain, for insightful presentations and guided tours.

Contact:

Address: 575 Tyabb–Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, VIC 3912

Ph: 03 5915 2476 | E: customerservice@jdpropagation.com.au

www.jdpropagation.com.au

www.apac.dummenorange.com/site/en

When: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December Register at: https://form.jotform.com/232389268465469

Landscape Safari

Mansfield’s Propagation Nursery

Since 2017, Mansfield’s have taken the opportunity to present our nursery as a part of Australian Horticultural Trials, come for a visit and we will take you on a Landscape Safari!

We are looking forward to taking you for a tour of our fresh plantings of new and existing varieties in our display gardens at Mansfield’s this year, featuring a selection of our top selling Austraflora, Ozbreed, Instyle and Core lines. New varieties grown in our state-of-the-art lab, Tissue Culture Australia will also on display from a range of exceptional breeders. Come and join us for beverages and bites each day during Trials Week 2023.

Trials week is always a fun and fantastic opportunity to connect with people from the Australian horticulture industry. Registration to our event is preferred so our Sales Team can provide you with the best one on one sales experience.

Contact:

Address: 150 Taylors Road, Skye, VIC 3977 www.mansfields.net.au

When: 11 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 5 December 8:30 am to 4 pm, Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 December

Sprint Showcase

Sprint Horticulture

After more than 20 years, Sprint Horticulture is still a family-owned business. We continue to thrive with passion and determination. Our climate-controlled greenhouses and dedicated team allow us to produce the highest quality plants all year round, while our proximity to Sydney provides the opportunity for efficient distribution to both our domestic and international customers.

Sprint Horticulture is continuing to expand its facilities as well as its presence in the marketplace. Our mission is to encompass the core values of Quality, Integrity and Innovation while bringing exciting ideas and products to customers and consumers alike.

Garden City Plastics

Garden City Plastics

Come and see a range of Australian manufactured Plug Trays to suit the Australian market: Winged sides for guidance; easily come apart for automatic transplanters; clear pad at each end for labelling; 100% recyclable; starting with the most popular sizes: 50 cell, 105 cell, 128 cell, 288 cell and a 512 cell.

And grab a sample of the new extension to the GCP Packwell range. With the ever-popular 14cm Packwell, we have three more to provide material and soil savings. Starting with a: 20cm style with a 4-litre capacity (not 4.5 as is traditional);

30cm style for the next size up, with a lower profile for advanced rockery plants and other shrubs; 40cm style for larger plants and smaller growing trees. All manufactured from 100% recycled material and are also 100% recyclable.

Be fantastic, recycle your plastic.

See the Garden City Plastics recycling cage and ask how we can help your business be more sustainable by recycling your flowerpots, nursery carry trays and labels. A partnership with Norwood and Polymer Processors. See it at JD Propagation throughout the week.

Contact:

Address: 10 EJ Court, Dandenong South, VIC 3175 Ph: 03 9728 0300 | E: greg.carrick@gardencityplastics.com www.gardencityplastics.com

When: 8 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December

Simple ways to grow better crops

ICL

ICL are suppliers of fertiliser and plant protection products, with advice that is backed by scientifically rigorous trial work. We provide strong practical support to growers.

We will have three displays:

1) A display of bedding plants comparing grower practice versus Osmocote Bloom. The Bloom crop will have a longer shelf life.

2) A display of varying rates of Hydraflo wetting agent on crops. The Hydraflo crops will show better growth and shelf life.

3) In conjunction with Lilydale Turf, we will show new turf varieties that use less water. These will be presented to a very high level using ICL Landscaper Pro products and Hydraflo. We’ll be working with Semkens Landscaping on ensuring highest level of presentation.

Contact:

Address: (Ball Australia site) 735 Westernport Hwy, Skye, VIC 3977

www.icl-sf.com.au

When: 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December

Starter Pots

Super Starters

At Super Starters we understand that our customers are looking for an edge and are demanding a smarter and more efficient way of working. A Starter Pot gives you the opportunity to produce a high-quality final product with a more consistent strike rate over a shorter period of time.

Our key focus is the end product, and we understand that this is critical to your business. Having been on the receiving end we only send out products that we would want to propagate into ourselves. We aim to work with our customers to provide a service that is consistent, reliable, and suitable for your needs

Address: 575 Tyabb–Tooradin Road, Pearcedale, VIC 3912

Ph:03 5924 1011

www.superstarters.com.au

When: 8 am to 4.30 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December

Book an appointment: reception@jdpropagation.com.au.

Transplant Systems Showcase

Transplant Systems Pty Ltd

Transplant Systems works hard to provide customers with quality products and premium service – bringing together specialist staff, an integrated team of professional consultants and exceptional international suppliers – so that customers achieve the best results for their business.

Transplant Systems will have technical experts on hand to demonstrate and discuss the attributes and benefits of their automation equipment.

Address: 63 Enterprise Avenue, Berwick, VIC 3806

www.transplantsystems.com.au

When: 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 December