New member profile: Chester Nursery

Chester Nursery have a deep appreciation for edible Australian native plants as well as exotic edible plants from around the world. They believe in the potential of these plants to be incorporated into Australian backyards and vegetable beds, enriching both the culinary experience and the diversity of our gardens.

What makes your business unique?

The uniqueness of our business lies in our products and how we present them. From hard-to-source Japanese citrus to native edible plants and underutilised gourmet edible plants from around the world, there is something to pique everyone’s interest.

What is your stock range?

Our plant selection includes Japanese citrus, like Yuzu, available in 150mm and 250mm pots. We also offer coastal edible plants, native herbs, and native vegetables in 4-packs, with individual plants available in 150mm pots. Additionally, we have exotic edible 140mm hanging baskets that include plants such as oyster leaf and salty ice plant. Furthermore, we provide seeds for most of these plant categories.

Who is a typical Chester Estate Customer?

A typical Chester customer would likely be a culinary explorer looking to add something out of the ordinary to their everyday cooking and professional kitchens, as well as retailers and wholesalers looking to add something a little different to their edible range.

Have you worked with any NGIV members before?

We have worked with many NGIV members for plant buying, label printing, growing mediums, and containers.

How do you market yourselves to your customers?

We market ourselves through various means whether it’s farmers markets, Trade Day markets, social media or direct contact.

Do you have any long-term plans for your business?

Our long terms plans involve expanding our range and increasing production as well as educating and inspiring home cooks, chefs and the inquisitive about our first nations’ edible plants, Japanese citrus and international exotic edible plants.

Tell us a little bit about your core team and skills.

Our core team is quite small, consisting of William Pham with 17 years’ experience in herb cultivation, business management and sales; James Rattray with over 20 years in the sales and sourcing of gourmet edible products; and Rileigh Moore, with 10 years wholesale nursery experience.

We do it all: from grafting citrus to sourcing plants to propagation, you name it.

How can NGIV members learn more about your products and services?

NGIV members can contact us directly via info@chesterestate.com.au or through our website and various social media platforms. For more information about what we do or for a peak behind the curtain, check out nursery.chesterestate.com.au or visit us on Instagram @chesternursery.

Why did you become an NGIV member?

Seeing the support NGIV provides for businesses and young people in the nursery industry, it seemed only natural to become a member. It also provides opportunity for networking and meeting other growers which is great for an upcoming nursery like us.

We’re delighted to have Chester Nursery join the NGIV as a full member. As Victoria’s peak industry body, we are committed to helping our member businesses and the State’s horticulture industry to grow. Find out how you can become a member – ngiv.com.au

More information

Chester Nursery, e: info@chesterestate.com.au nursery.chesterestate.com.au