12 NORWOOD: A YEAR OF TRANSFORMATION AND COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
15 PLANT OF THE YEAR 2025 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
16 GROWING WITH STYLE: 20 YEARS OF ALFRESCO GARDENWARE
18 SOUTHERN PLANT RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION
21 HOW TO GET STARTED WITH PRICING
24 VSGP AWARDS
26 TRADE DAY REPORT
28 NEXTGEN: OLIVIA JONES
29 INDUSTRY NEWS
Our front cover: The 2025 Plant of the Year is RUNAWAY BRIDE™ Hydrangea. Winners were announced at NGIV’s Summer Soirée in December, with promotional assets provided on the evening by Norwood, who in this issue celebrate their ‘new look' and renewed focus on innovation and excellence.
www.norwood.com.au
Executive update
Soderlund President, NGIV
Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV
Welcome to the first edition of Groundswell for 2025. We hope the holiday season provided you with an opportunity to recharge and connect with loved ones, and that you’re as eager as we are to embrace the possibilities of the year ahead.
Last year ended on an exciting note with Australian Horticultural Trials Week 2024, presented by The Garden Gurus, taking place in early December. This much-loved event continues to be a highlight of Australia’s horticultural calendar, offering a platform to showcase groundbreaking plant varieties and cutting-edge innovations. From December 3–6, growers, breeders, and allied businesses from across the country and beyond came together for a week of learning and discovery. Read more about Trials Week 2024 on the following pages.
Late last year also saw the crowning of the inaugural Plant of the Year. We’re thrilled to congratulate the winners of our Plant of the Year 2025 awards. Special recognition goes to the Runaway Bride™ Hydrangea, crowned Overall Winner and Shrub of the Year, thanks to its remarkable adaptability and elegant form. All the nominees and winners will be showcased at the 2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS).
And speaking of MIFGS, it will be returning once again from 26 to 30 March and promises to be bigger and more breathtaking than ever. Held at the iconic Royal Exhibition Building and
Carlton Gardens, this five-day spectacle is a vibrant celebration of our industry.
MIFGS owes much of its magic to the dedicated involvement of NGIV members, whose expertise and creativity help bring the event to life. From visionary growers and designers to innovative retailers, and many more, our members play a vital role in making this annual show a true celebration of the green life industry.
We encourage all NGIV members to be part of this incredible event. Whether you are exhibiting, volunteering, or simply attending, we hope to see you there. While there, be sure to sure visit the Green Room and keep an eye out on NGIV’s enews and website for information about events held during the week of the Show.
Meanwhile, we’re gearing up for the 2025 NGIV Golf Day Classic, set to take place on Friday 14 February at Yering Meadows Golf Course. With the stunning backdrop of the Yarra Valley, this event promises a perfect blend of networking, relaxation, and friendly competition Looking back on 2024, it was a year of milestones for NGIV. From the resounding success of last year’s Trials Week to our bustling
Carl
Trade Days and impactful programs like Grow Your Future, we’ve consistently worked to deliver value to our members while championing the horticulture sector.
We’re thrilled to share that NGIV’s advocacy efforts were acknowledged in the Victorian Government’s report, Inquiry into Securing Victoria’s Food Supply. Our detailed submission to the inquiry was referenced multiple times throughout the report, reinforcing the important role our industry plays in the state’s food and greenlife future.
Of particular note is Recommendation 23, which aligns closely with NGIV’s objectives. The report calls on the Victorian Government to support the Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP) by continuing to offer grants, awards, professional development opportunities, and programs like ‘Branch Out.’ It also highlights the need for new initiatives that promote horticulture and careers in the sector, such as school farms.
While the recommendation is a proposal by the parliamentary committee, it serves as a platform to encourage the current and future governments to commit to additional funding for the VSGP. This recognition strengthens our position as an advocate for the industry and creates new opportunities to secure resources for vital programs that inspire the next generation of horticultural professionals.
We’ll continue to keep members updated as we work to turn this recommendation into action.
Finally, as per our most recent strategic plan, the NGIV Board have continued discussions to evaluate the NGIV brand, including our name and logo, and to assess whether it still accurately captures our priorities and reflects the diverse offering of our members. Simultaneously, our national body GIA is undertaking an exercise with all state associations to establish a common brand identity. All discussions have been fruitful, and we will soon share more details about the proposal, including timelines for members to review and, if endorsed, implement the change.
As we move through 2025, we remain committed to strengthening connections within the industry, fostering innovation, and supporting your businesses. Whether it’s through exciting events, advocacy efforts, or programs designed to attract fresh talent to horticulture, we are here to ensure a thriving future for Victoria’s greenlife sector.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Here’s to a productive, prosperous, and inspiring 2025 for all of us.
Carl Soderlund President, NGIV Botanix Plant Supply
Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV
2024
AUSTRALIAN
HORTICULTURAL TRIALS
WEEK 3 – 6 DECEMBER
Australian Horticultural Trials Week 2024
Australian Horticultural Trials Week 2024, presented by The Garden Gurus, was a spectacular celebration of the horticulture industry’s innovation and creativity. Held from 3–6 December, Trials Week brought together Victoria’s leading breeders, growers, and allied businesses, and over four action-packed days, attendees immersed themselves in the latest advancements in container, bedding, indoor, and outdoor plants, as well as cutting-edge allied products. While it’s impossible to capture all the exciting exhibits and developments from our exhibitors, below are some of the highlights.
The Garden Gurus
The Garden Gurus is Australia’s longest-running gardening television show on commercial-free-to-air TV. Last year marked their 22nd on Channel 9, having produced 37 series, 600+ episodes, and 4800 stories. The Garden Gurus reaches over 500,000 people per episode in Australia and is telecast in 86 countries in seven languages. They passed 70 million fact sheet downloads last year.
The Garden Gurus are proud to support NGIV with the naming sponsorship of Australian Horticultural Trials Week and look forward to continuing to support the trials into the future.
Ball
Ball once again impressed with their vibrant Ball Grower Trials, showcasing an array of new and exciting varieties grown in their expansive trial gardens.
Ball’s displays were thoughtfully designed to showcase the unique habits, vibrant colours, and improved traits of the standout varieties. This year, there was a strong focus on breeding advancements, including enhanced disease resistance and growth habits tailored to meet the evolving needs of home gardeners. Sustainable production practices and reduced chemical usage were also central themes, reflecting Ball’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.
Several key products emerged as highlights of the event:
» Celosia ‘Burning Embers’: A new seeded variety with striking fiery tones.
» Salvia ‘Blue Chill’: A stunning landscape display when planted en masse.
» Begonia ‘Hula’: A seed-bred variety with exceptional performance.
» Non-Stop Begonias: Showcasing dazzling blooms in five distinct colours.
» Tomato ‘Little Bing’: A compact, seeded variety with excellent disease resistance, prolific fruiting, and manageable size – sure to be a favourite in garden centres.
» Petunia ‘Velvet Champagne’: The latest addition to Ball’s popular petunia lineup, set to impress gardeners in 2025.
Simon Gomme, Ball’s Managing Director, reflected on the event, stating, “Our Grower Trials Week is a fantastic opportunity to connect with retailers, growers, and media. It’s a chance to align our breeding innovations and the grower performance of our varieties with ever-changing retail trends, keeping a strong focus on integrating every part of the supply chain.”
Greenhills Propagation Nursery/ Touch of Class Plants: PlantFest 2024
PlantFest 2024 at Greenhills Propagation Nursery was again a feast for plant lovers. The event showcased an exciting array of new releases, ensuring something for everyone, from growers to retailers. This year, attendees appreciated the opportunity to explore these innovations through a dedicated PlantFest app, serving as a digital library of all the plants featured in the showcase with photos, growing tips and descriptions. From the 12- and 16-week trials, some highlights were:
» Hydrangea Paniculata Hercules PBR: The sun-hardy Hydrangea Hercules features enormous, full flower plumes bursting with blooms. Its flowers are white-green with a delicate pink blush. Hercules also boasts strong flower stems, making it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
» Rhaphiolepis Indica Pink Punch PBR: A contender for 2025’s Plant of the Year, this plant showcases soft, velvety copper-coloured new growth that transitions to copper-red before maturing to green. Its repeat flowering delivers pale pink blooms in summer, while spring flowers shine in a vibrant rosy pink.
» Grevillea juniperina × Strawberry Smoothie: This compact shrub dazzles with a stunning mass of strawberry-coloured flowers from late autumn to early spring, creating a spectacular display.
The Summer Soiree at KCC Park, where the winners of Plant of the Year 2025 were announced, kicked off Australian Horticultural Trials Week 2024.
Fleming’s Nurseries
Fleming’s Nurseries offered visitors a glimpse into the future of horticulture with their Innovation Showcase. The highlight was the JALA Giant Avocado, a game-changer with its super-sized fruit and creamy flesh resistant to browning. Alongside the JALA avocado, Fleming’s displayed new flowering shrubs and trees, and hosted visitors from all corners of the industry.
Fleming’s Research and Innovation Manager Leanne Gillies reflected on the week: “With a re-vamped program and increased opportunities for engagement with customers, Trials Week 2024 provided a great forum to talk about all things new. The Summer Soiree, bus tours and other events provided more opportunities for valuable networking in relaxed settings.
“This was our first chance to showcase the new JALA giant avocado in the southern states. We had a lot of fun re-imaging our traditional market-stand [at NGIV’s December Trade Day] into a themed display that really engaged our customers. Fair to say that JALA was incredibly well received with pre-orders taken during Trials Week having almost exhausted the supply for autumn.
“It was a pleasure to host so many visitors at the nursery and we are already looking forward to Trials week 2025!”
Haars Nursery
Haars Nursery once again impressed visitors with its vibrant, colourful display at 2024 Australian Horticultural Trials Week. Showcasing the genetics and products that Haars represent from overseas breeders, the exhibit highlighted standout varieties that exemplify a commitment to quality and creativity
Some of the Haars Nursery product highlights included:
» Calibrachoa Caliloco Dreamland: This compact, colourful bloomer is perfect for hanging baskets and containers, delivering long-lasting flowers throughout the summer.
» Euphorbia Starblast Pink: Known for its drought tolerance and low-maintenance requirements, this stunning variety thrives in mixed planters or borders.
» Mandevilla Bella Deep Red: A reliable climbing vine with striking red, trumpet-shaped flowers. Perfect for trellises or hanging baskets, it thrives in sunny spots and tolerates heat and drought.
» Dahlia Labella Maggiore Fun Pomegranate: With bold, showy blooms, this Dahlia adds a striking focal point to garden beds or large containers.
Credit Haars photos: Nancy Salinas, Moshie Australia
JD Propagation: Bee Happy
JD Propagation continues to evolve and grow its presence at Trials Week each year, this year hosting seven fellow exhibitors. Dan Patience shared, “Every year we just try to make it bigger and better. This year, we put the garden bed in, did some work to the house, got the marquee so we can fit more businesses here on-site. And I think next year we're just going to keep growing it.”
Dan also explained the inspiration behind the ‘Bee Happy’ theme: “We have a new series of dahlias called Summer Bees. They’ve been bred specifically with more stamen and pollen for the pollinators. The idea was to turn that [the ‘treehouse’ once displayed at MIFGS that now lives on the JD site] into a
beehive and cover it in Summer Bees, promoting our beefriendly plants. We even created a viewing platform for visitors to enjoy the beehive setup." The theme ties into JD Propagation’s broader mission of promoting plants that benefit pollinators.
With an extensive variety of plants, grouped by variety for ease of comparison, and with genetics from major breeders such as Dummen Orange, Danziger, Syngenta, Shoneveld, Hartwig Bull, Greenfuse and Royal Van Zanten, Dan expressed enthusiasm about their curated plant range: “Because we work with so many breeders, we can offer people the best of a genus.”
Credit JD Propagation photos: Nancy Salinas, Moshie Australia
100,000 new AND ENGAGED customers
Mansfield’s Propagation Nursery: Landscape Safari
Mansfield’s display garden was a safari of lush plants in-ground and in potted displays, blending the classics with exciting new varieties. Visitors were taken on a ‘Landscape Safari’, where they could discover exclusive trial plants.
March Groundswell 2025 will be a special consumer-focused edition offered to all attendees of the Melbourne Flower & Garden Show.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage the army of gardening enthusiasts visiting the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most-loved horticultural event.
Contact NGIV on (03) 9576 0599 or comms@ngiv.com.au for more information or to secure your spot. Announcing the MIFGS March 2025 Groundswell Consumer
This year offered the Mansfield’s team and visitors a chance to review new varieties planted in the display beds, reflecting on their performance after 12 months in the ground. Guests also explored fresh plantings of Mansfield's top-selling Austraflora, Ozbreed, Instyle, and core lines, alongside cutting-edge varieties grown in Tissue Culture Australia’s state-of-the-art lab.
With beverages and bites served daily, Mansfield’s Landscape Safari provided enjoyment for all.
Peninsula Growers
Making their debut at Trials Week, Peninsula Growers
Wholesale Nursery, a family-owned business on the Mornington Peninsula, showcased its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With over 50 years of propagation expertise from Gary Barfoot and fresh ideas from his son Liam, the nursery continues to deliver high-quality, environmentally suited plants.
The event highlighted the innovative 96 Cell Tray, a durable, UV-resistant propagation tray designed for long-term use, featuring root trainers, airflow channels, and easy plug removal.
Standout plants included the Syzygium ‘Up and Away’, a versatile native tree with striking red-copper new growth, white flowers, and year-round appeal. Also featured was the Correa ‘Choc Leaf’, a frost- and drought-tolerant shrub with unique dark foliage, salmon-pink new growth, and tubular yellow and pink flowers that bloom from autumn to spring.
Also on show was a new and fragrant, yet-to-be named Lomandra species with a low-spreading habit, with Peninsula Growers taking ideas for its future name. Be sure to keep an eye out for it.
Helix Australia
Helix Australia showcased a range of compact Waxflower plants that redefine versatility in landscaping. Designed for smaller gardens, hedges, and mass commercial plantings, the new varieties featured extended flowering periods and vibrant colours
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.
Anthony Tesselaar Plants
Anthony Tesselaar Plants unveiled new Magnolia varieties developed by renowned breeder Mark Jury. These long-awaited introductions, years in the making, were a draw for visitors eager to explore these new additions to the Magnolia family.
Also on show was their Showpiece™ Rose Collection including a stunning new orange rose.
Anthony Tesselaar Plants travel extensively, continually searching the world looking for plants that are brilliant, environmentally friendly and easy to grow. It is normally 5-7 years after they first see a new plant and do their trialling and testing before they think about bringing it to market.
Allied Exhibitors: Driving Industry Progress
The allied exhibitors brought cutting-edge products and solutions to the forefront of Trials Week. Highlights included Garden City Plastics’ sustainable Anti-Spiral Pots and PCR Colour Range, ICL’s Osmocote 5 trials demonstrating superior plant performance, and Norwood Industries’ insights into regulatory compliance and packaging sustainability. Powerplants’ virtual HortiVision experience showcased the future of greenhouse automation, while Transplant Systems highlighted robotics and UV technologies for enhanced plant health. Finally, Syngenta Flowers combined technical expertise with in-field flower trials, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors.
Australian Horticultural Trials Week 2024 was a brilliant success, offering something for everyone, from cutting-edge innovations to valuable networking opportunities. NGIV extends its gratitude to all exhibitors and visitors who contributed to the event’s success and we look forward to inspiring once again at Trials Week in 2025!
Norwood: A year of transformation and commitment to the future
By Jennifer Cheers
The past year has been an exciting period of transformation for Norwood, marked by bold changes and a renewed focus on innovation and excellence. Among the most visible of these changes is the unveiling of the “new look” Norwood – a brand identity designed to reflect our ongoing commitment to progress, our dedication to the industry, and, most importantly, the central role our customers play in everything we do. This is more than just a facelift; it’s a transformation we are proud to share.
When a company has been in business for over 60 years, change is inevitable. Yet the last 12 months have required Norwood to embrace an unprecedented level of internal and external transformation. These challenges pushed us to re-evaluate our core principles and processes, ensuring we are not only meeting current demands but preparing for the future.
Rebranding with purpose
One of the key projects undertaken this year was a complete re-evaluation of our brand. Over time, some of the values and fundamentals Norwood was known for had faded into the background. Our rebranding process forced us to rethink our approach, reinforcing our commitment to process improvement, product development, and, above all, keeping our customers at the heart of our decisions.
This rebranding isn’t just about appearances – it’s about purpose It challenges us to align every facet of our operations with the needs of our customers and the industry. It’s a reaffirmation of our dedication to growth, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring we remain a trusted partner for the future.
A legacy of industry support
Norwood has long been a stalwart in the horticultural industry, investing heavily in growth and supporting industry events through NGIV (Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria). For decades, we’ve contributed to Trade Days, events, and other growth opportunities, while quietly meeting the demands of evolving regulations and customer expectations. These contributions are part of our DNA, and they reflect our commitment to the industry’s success.
Paul Bowden, Camila Mejia, Rohan McDonald, Anthony Dali, Jennifer Cheers and John Murray.
However, staying relevant requires more than past accomplishments. It demands forward-thinking initiatives and a willingness to adapt. While regulatory requirements, such as APCO (Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation) guidelines, have grown more stringent, we’re ensuring a seamless transition for our customers. Whether it’s product labeling, marketing tools like tags, or supply chain adjustments, Norwood is focused on delivering solutions that align with the latest standards and expectations.
Innovation and investment
Internally, we’ve made significant investments in both people and technology. Upgrades to machinery and a focus on a “Do It Right the First Time” philosophy have been key drivers of operational improvements. Innovation remains at the core of our strategy – not just for the benefit of Norwood, but for our customers and suppliers as well.
Adapting to a challenging economic environment has required us to rethink production techniques and scheduling. As prices fluctuate, we’ve had to adjust to remain efficient and competitive while maintaining the high standards our customers expect. The result is a stronger, more agile Norwood – better equipped to support the industry for years to come.
A new era for Norwood
The “new Norwood” isn’t just a rebrand – it’s a rethink. It’s a commitment to doing things differently, with a focus on staying relevant and prepared for the challenges ahead. While we recognise that some may feel we’ve lost our way at times, we want to assure our customers that we are implementing strategies and contingencies to address every aspect of our operations.
We understand that these changes haven’t always been easy, but they’ve been necessary. Like any business, we must function economically to ensure long-term viability. And while change can be uncomfortable, it’s also the key to growth and sustainability.
Looking to the future
Norwood’s 60-year legacy is a testament to our ability to adapt and thrive. However, we’re not content to rest on our laurels. Without forward-thinking initiatives, ongoing investments, and a focus on people and innovation, we won’t be around for the next 60 years – and we fully intend to be.
Our people are deeply invested in the future: their future, your future, and the success of the industry as a whole. We care about delivering value, fostering trust, and driving progress. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and build a stronger, more resilient industry.
Plant of the Year 2025 winners announced
Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Plant of the Year 2025 awards, a celebration of outstanding plant varieties that spark innovation, inspire the industry, and showcase the exciting developments shaping the future of horticulture.
The awards, launched this year, were judged by a panel of industry experts including Jane Jones (Janes Jones Landscapes), David Howard (Bay Road Nursery), Andrew Laidlaw (Royal Botanic Gardens), John Rayner (The University of Melbourne), Teena Crawford, and Andrew Jones (Poyntons Nursery). Plants were evaluated based on criteria including aesthetic appeal, growth and performance characteristics, innovative qualities, and marketability potential.
The overall winner for 2025 is the spectacular RUNAWAY BRIDE™ Hydrangea (Hydrangea hybrid), also named Shrub of the Year. The first garland Hydrangea, RUNAWAY BRIDE™, captivates with its elegant weeping habit and profusion of white lace-cap flowers along the stems. Thriving in diverse conditions and requiring no pruning, it redefines adaptability and beauty, setting a new horticultural standard.
Other category winners include:
» Specialist Plant of the Year: Ground Hug™ Myoporum insulare
A dense, low-growing native groundcover perfect for weed control and erosion prevention, resilient to frost and drought, with small white flowers and edible berries.
» Tree of the Year: Ginko ‘Lemonlime Spire’ (Ginko Biloba)
Compact and columnar, this Ginkgo offers bright foliage transitioning from spring green to stunning autumn hues, ideal for narrow spaces and smaller landscapes.
» Herbaceous Plant of the Year: Dahlia ‘Sincerity Rose Bicolour’ (Dahlia x hybrida)
Featuring massive 20cm pink and white blooms, this well-branched Dahlia creates a breathtaking display, blooming reliably from mid-summer to autumn.
Highly Commended plants included:
» Rosa Flower Carpet® Mini Cherry (Shrub): A compact rose with vibrant cherry red blooms ideal for low hedges and borders.
» DAVANA™ Phlebodium aureum (Specialist – Indoor): A striking indoor plant with glaucous blue-green foliage, known for its resilience and low maintenance needs.
The winners were announced to a rapturous industry audience at December’s Summer Soirée. The event was made possible with support from Copperhead Wines, NuNord, Shapescaper and Mojay Pots. We thank them for their support of this event
All winners and nominees will be showcased at the upcoming 2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, offering a unique opportunity for the public to celebrate the diversity and beauty of these exceptional plants.
Visit plantoftheyear.com.au for the full list of winners and more information on the awards.
Growing with style: 20 Years of Alfresco Gardenware
By Cassie Tomlinson and Julia Van Veenendaal with James Nicklen
In the world of garden décor, Alfresco Gardenware has earned its reputation for offering stylish, functional, and thoughtfully designed products that cater to every gardener’s taste. As the business celebrates 20 years of growth, they reflected on their humble beginnings, key milestones, and a bright future ahead.
Where it all began
Founded in 2005, Alfresco Gardenware was born from a passion for gardening, a desire to provide better balance between work and family, and the realisation that the garden products available at the time lacked the sleek, minimalistic charm that so many homeowners were looking for. Initially, the business started in a small home office with a limited range of trellises and just one customer. But they had a larger ambition: to offer high-quality garden décor, making them universally available and catering to all the tastes out there. Ultimately, to offer something for everyone.
By 2007, Alfresco made a pivotal decision to shift focus to the independent nursery and garden market. This move led to the company’s first appearance at the Australian Gift and Homewares Association’s (AGHA) gift fair in Melbourne, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It wasn’t
long before Alfresco Gardenware transitioned to sole ownership in 2008, and the business began to build a portfolio of independent clients.
What drives the Alfresco team?
For Alfresco Gardenware, the drive has always been fuelled by a few core values that guide the company’s mission and vision
The team at Alfresco is united by a shared passion for the beauty of nature and the love of gardening. Alfresco strives to create products that enhance the gardening experience and help people to bring their garden dreams to life.
Over the years, Alfresco has built long-lasting relationships with its customers by being genuinely attentive to their needs. Alfresco believes in providing excellent service, not just through the products they sell, but also by creating meaningful connections with their supportive customer base.
At Alfresco, design is at the heart of everything they do. Every product in the range is carefully selected, with a focus on catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a minimalist trellis, a decorative garden feature, or a functional harvesting solution, Alfresco’s products are designed to elevate all types of gardens.
And the final key to Alfresco’s success: an incredible team. “We’re really blessed here and wouldn’t have succeeded without them,” says owner Julia Van Veenendaal, and it’s clear that the collective dedication, hard work, and positive energy of the Alfresco team are integral to their success over the past 20 years.
Merry, who joined in 2016, has been instrumental in building the company’s customer service reputation. Her background in PR, restaurant ownership, and garden design made her a perfect fit. Customers often refer to her as a co-owner, and her infectious personality has made her a favorite among clients and colleagues alike.
The rest of the team, including Sue, Shari, Lisa, Jem, Greer and Richard, along with Fiona, Jenni and Diana, the sales team, work together to deliver top-notch service. The warehouse crew, led by Tracey and Jarrod, ensure that orders are fulfilled efficiently and accurately.
“Without a doubt. We have the best team,” Julia says.
A thriving community
Alfresco Gardenware has been an active member of two key industry bodies: NGIV and AGHA. Being part of these communities has not only helped Alfresco grow, but has also fostered lasting relationships with other wholesalers, growers, and retailers. Whether it’s at NGIV’s Trade Day or AGHA Gift Fairs, the connections built with customers and peers alike are something Alfresco values deeply.
As Julia reflects, “There have been lots of laughs and silly moments, particularly with customers at Trade Day. Sometimes I’ve left with sore stomach muscles from laughing so much.”
The third decade
As Alfresco enters its third decade, the company is looking to the future with excitement and optimism. With significant investments in digital capabilities, including a new digital lookbook to inspire customers, the brand is embracing the changing landscape of the market.
“It’s such a changing market, with impact of Gen X, Millennials; the exiting of boomers; Covid’s acceleration of digital and remote technologies; climate change and increased interest in gardening; retailing changes; it’s a whole new market, but Alfresco has the foundation to navigate it,” Julia says.
The company is also investing in hiring skilled professionals in areas like supply chain, sales, and marketing to help navigate these changes and take Alfresco Gardenware to the next level.
“Alfresco is like a child, born in 2005 and now finished its schooling and ready to take on the world.” says Julia.
For regular updates and inspiration, follow Alfresco Gardenware on social media.
“We’ve been working with Alfresco since they started. From small humble beginnings, we’ve watched them grow and develop and now they are one of our key suppliers. Julia and the team are so easy to work with and are constantly delivering new product. Nothing is ever a problem and that makes business so easy. Our customers love them and so do we.
– Andrew Jones, Poyntons Nursery
Southern Plants: Recognised for sustainability and innovation in the green life industry
By James Nicklen
Southern Plants has solidified its reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability, winning accolades in 2024 that recognise their exceptional contributions to sustainable practices in the horticulture industry. Last year, the business achieved a significant milestone by being honoured with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Sustainable Packaging Award in the Agriculture and Nurseries SME category and the Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) Commitment to Environmental Stewardship Award
These achievements reflect Southern Plants’ vision of creating a green legacy, underpinned by their innovative approach to packaging, operational practices, and commitment to sustainability.
Recognising sustainable leadership
The APCO Sustainable Packaging Award celebrates organisations leading the transition toward a circular economy for packaging. Southern Plants were acknowledged for their cutting-edge redesign of pot and label packaging, which significantly reduces plastic usage, increases the use of recycled materials, and ensures complete recyclability. Their pots are manufactured from 95% Australian recycled PP5 plastic, combined with a 5% grey color additive for detectability in curbside recycling via near-infrared (NIR) technology. Additionally, the labels, made from recycled plastic, are ultrasonically welded to the pots – a process powered by
solar energy – ensuring the entire unit can be recycled as one. This is a first in the Southern Hemisphere.
“What we're trying to do is what's right not just for our packaging, but for the environment and for future generations,” says Mark Jackson, CEO and Owner of Southern Plants. “It’s part of our commitment to the natural environment and sustainable practice.”
The innovative packaging also incorporates a closed-loop system. Unused pots and labels are recycled, further minimising waste. This holistic approach was integral to Southern Plants’ success at the APCO Awards, judged by a panel of independent experts in sustainability.
Commitment to environmental stewardship
Earlier in the year, Southern Plants was awarded NGIV’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship Award, which highlights excellence in sustainability within the horticulture industry. This accolade recognised their broader environmental initiatives, including the use of solar electricity, electric vehicles, and recycled water, alongside reducing chemical usage and evaluating workplace practices.
These sustainable efforts reflect the company’s long-term dedication to environmental responsibility, aligning with their goal of being right up there with the most sustainable green life growers in the industry.
“It’s a nice milestone on the journey that we’re on,” Mark says “We’re continuing to invest in more solar and renewables and, converting more of our vehicles to electric. We're trying to reduce our chemical usage and reduce the amount of water we use by modifying potting mixes. It's an ongoing thing.”
Restructuring for growth and customer service
Southern Plants has also undergone a strategic restructure over the past year, paving the way for improved customer engagement. Sean Warren, with extensive experience in horticulture and operations, joined as General Manager, allowing Mark Jackson to step into a CEO role focused on strategic growth and sustainability projects.
This restructure also saw Fran Wagner transition from a long-standing production role to Sales Coordinator position, catering to independent garden centers and the landscape trade.
Additionally, they have scaled up their Customer Service Team to focus further on customer relationships.
“The ultimate aim is to continue focusing our attention more on servicing our customers and their needs and wants,” says Mark.
Building for a sustainable future
For Southern Plants, these awards are milestones in an ongoing journey The company is working to expand its use of solar power and battery storage to achieve 100% renewable energy, from the current near 50% solar electricity generation, to ensure complete energy independence.
By continually refining their processes, Southern Plants is setting a standard for sustainability. Through their projects in sustainability, they demonstrate how businesses can balance the needs of their customers with environmental responsibility, reinforcing their position as a leader in the industry while creating a lasting green legacy.
How to get started with pricing
By Jon Manning, PricingProphets.com
NGIV held an excellent corporate workshop in October last year, at which I was honoured to be asked to speak. My talk, ‘Smarter (Post-Pandemic) Pricing’continued the conversation I started in my articles published in the October and December 2022 editions of Groundswell.
For this third article, I thought I would answer one question that I was asked after my presentation at the event in October: “How does a small business like mine get started on its pricing journey?”
But before delving into the details on how to start this journey, let’s talk about some prerequisites. Firstly, you are going to need data and, depending on the size of your business, you may need lots of it. As you start your pricing journey, the best decisions come from data, not gut-feel.
Secondly, you need a certain pricing mindset. Having worked on pricing strategies across over 120 companies, it’s clear to me that people often fall into one of three mindsets:
The ‘Pricing-is-a-Process’ Mindset: These people treat ‘pricing as a process’, constantly monitoring sales, customers, the competition and the markets they compete in, as well as their costs, but most importantly, the value customers are getting from buying their products or services.
The ‘Pricing-is-a-Project’ Mindset: Then there are those who say, ‘pricing is a project’, and that project is usually the annual budgeting exercise where prices might be decreased to match the competition but, more likely, increased to achieve budget targets and objectives. For the rest of the year, pricing is just off the radar.
The ‘Nothing-to-do-with-Me’ Mindset: And then, when you hear people say things like “…it’s the market that sets prices” or “…it’s the invisible hand that sets prices”, then you’re talking to someone with a “nothing to do with me” mindset. Markets and invisible hands don’t set prices –people do.
So armed with data and the right mindset (it’s not hard to work out which mindset that is), start your pricing journey with these three “health checks”.
Conduct a customer health check
Except for early-stage start-ups, most companies get to a point where they ‘segment’ their customers. Segmentation is an exercise where a company categorises its customers into different segments or groupings that share similar needs, desires, preference, characteristics, as well as typically sharing similar price sensitivities.
So, grab a heap of customer sales data, and analyse it to uncover answers to questions like the following:
» What type of customers do I have?
» How much is the customer spending with me each month?
» Which customers are growing and declining the fastest?
» How long have customers been buying from me (years of tenure)?
» How frequently do customers purchase from me?
» What are the customers’ average order value?
Actionable strategies can be derived from this analysis. For example:
» Large Wholesalers are the most important segment of the market, with the greatest average monthy spend, the longest tenure, the second highest average order value, and they purchase most frequently. The importance of this segment of the market could be reflected preferential or contract pricing, or a loyalty program.
With clean data, and appropriate analysis, the questions above can very easily identify the following four (hypothetical) customer segments:
Large Wholesalers
» Avg. Mthly Spend: $108,000
» Avg. Growth in Spend: 5.0% pa
» Avg. Tenure: 11 years
» Purchase Frequency: Every 1.1 days
» Average Order Value: $460
» % of our total revenue: 75%
Small Wholesalers
» Avg. Mthly Spend: $19,725
» Avg. Growth in Spend: 1.1% pa
» Avg. Tenure: 7 years
» Purchase Frequency: Every 1.4 days
» Average Order Value: $124
» % of our total revenue: 10%
Large Retailers
» Avg. Mthly Spend: $49,282
» Avg. Growth in Spend: 3.0% pa
» Avg. Tenure: 5 years
» Purchase Frequency: Every 2.9 days
» Average Order Value: $521
» % of our total revenue: 12%
Small Retailers
» Avg. Mthly Spend: $4,449
» Avg. Growth in Spend: 0.2% pa
» Avg. Tenure: 3 years
» Purchase Frequency: Every 2.7 days
» Average Order Value: $50
» % of our total revenue: 3%
» Meanwhile, Small retailers are spending the least: they are barely growing, and they are ordering low values every three days or so. This could be a segment of the market to leave to someone else (ironically, higher prices could achieve that too).
Such an analysis is only the tip of the iceberg. Other factors that could be explored include the cost-to-serve each segment, where customers buy from (your website, at a market, telephone orders, etc.), and their preferred forms of payment (cash, credit card, invoicing), to name just a few.
The other thing to keep in mind is that customer segmentation exercises are one example of why pricing is a process rather than a project. It’s an exercise worth doing once every year or so (at a minimum), because customers can go from one segment to another as quickly as overnight.
Conduct a product health check
The second health check to undertake is a ‘product health check’, and the activity is identical to the first, except it involves the segmentation of your products. While this might seem a strange activity to undertake (customer segmentation is far more common), for those companies that do it, it has served them very well.
» Zara, the undisputed leader in fast fashion, segments its products into ‘Classics’ (product manufactured in low-cost countries that are subject to infrequent changes), ‘Fashion’ (products produced in-house that change with the season) and ‘Trends’ (products that change rapidly).
» Burger King (or Hungry Jacks in Australia) also has three product segments, ‘Fast Followers’, ‘Winners’ and ‘Fighting Brands’. You’ll never see a Whopper in a price war with a
McDonald’s Big Mac, because a Whopper is a ‘Winner’. Price wars are fought with products in the ‘Fighting Brand’ segment.
As with customer segmentation, analyse your data to identify groupings of products that share similar customers, levels of demand, profitability. Seek answers to question such as:
» What is the total sales value by product?
» What is the actual gross margin (GM)% on each product?
» What is the target GM% for each product or segment?
» What products are growing and declining the fastest?
Once again, this (hypothetical) table can provide guidance with our pricing strategy:
» To meet gross margin targets, we might want to explore ‘laser-guided’ price increases on the products in segment A, less aggressive in segment D, and less again in segment B. Contrast this to ‘carpet bombing’ with an across-the-board price increase on every product offered
» Segment C is on target – we should protect margin here and try to keep this pricing on ‘autopilot’.
» Segment E is exceeding its gross margin target. Revisiting the GM target for this segment could be considered here.
Be prepared for product segmentation not landing the way you would like it to. In the horticultural industry, you may be hoping all the roses fall into the one segment. The reality may be that shrub roses land in one segment and groundcover roses land in another.
Conduct a competitor analysis
At this point, an astute reader would have asked how product segment A above was classified as ‘highly competitive’? The conclusion could be reached on the reasonable assumption that margins are thinner in more competitive segments. But it could also have been ascertained from a competitive analysis.
At times, it may feel that there’s no end to the data that makes its way into a competitive analysis. At a minimum, you should seek to determine the following about direct and indirect competitors:
» What products do they stock?
» How much revenue do they make?
» How much profit do they make?
» What is their market share?
» How many employees do they have?
» What is their business structure (private company, partnership, trust, etc)?
» What geographic markets do they compete in?
» What is their approach to pricing (high, low, mid)?
Only touching the surface
This article has just touched the surface of the commencement of a pricing journey. Once you master this first level of pricing, here are some additional moves to take pricing to the next level:
» Factor in what each segment values by revisiting the approach to value-based pricing that I outlined in my December 2022 Groundswell Article ‘Putting Value and Customers at the Centre of Your Business’.
» Add ‘Known Value Items’ (KVI’s) to your customer segmentation model. Customers don’t know all the prices for all your products. They will only have price awareness for these Known Value Items.
» Finally, you can also merge your customer and product segmentation models: create a matrix with customer segments in columns and your product segments in rows, to drive product and customer-based pricing strategies in the cells of the matrix you just created.
About the author
Jon Manning is the founder of www.PricingProphets.com, based in Melbourne. Internationally recognised and experienced, he has over three decades of pricing experience in a wide variety of industries, in both Australia and overseas.
In 2023, Jon was named by 7Learnings as one of 99 Pricing thought leaders to follow on LinkedIn.
Shining success at the 47th Victorian Schools Garden Award presentation ceremony
By Tania Karamitos
The Royal Botanic Gardens’ Oak Lawn was the perfect backdrop for a memorable 47th Victorian Schools Garden Award Presentation Ceremony, offering an inspiring setting surrounded by nature’s beauty with the sun shining and 400 students, teachers, sponsors, and special guests in attendance.
Schools from across the state gathered to celebrate their school garden achievements and to learn which award their school had received. This year, 38 successful schools will share in over $46,000 worth of funds and garden products, enabling them to continue developing their green spaces and enriching student experiences. Congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding efforts in outdoor education and sustainability!
The three state finalists this year, each showcasing distinct approaches to their school garden programs but achieving transformative learning experiences, were St James Parish Primary School in Sebastopol, East Bentleigh Primary School and Keilor Downs College.
Taking the top honour, St James Parish Primary School received the prestigious Kevin Heinze Perpetual Award for
their exceptional efforts. The school’s native habitat garden serves as a vibrant outdoor classroom, enhancing crosscurricular learning and offering a dedicated nature play area that fosters students’ connection to the earth and their local Indigenous community.
The Victorian Schools Garden Program encourages all schools to view their outdoor spaces as an opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. These green spaces not only provide engaging, hands-on educational experiences but also support the health and well-being of students, making them vital to every school and student’s development.
The VSGP would like to extend our gratitude to all our sponsors for their generous support and belief in the importance of school garden programs. Together, we are sowing the seeds for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.
The Victorian Schools Garden Program is proudly supported by
State Award winners Keilor Downs College
Kevin Heinze Perpetual Award winner St James’ Parish Primary School, Sebastopol
And the winners are:
Kevin Heinze Perpetual Award:
St James’ Parish Primary School, Sebastopol
Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria
– Most Engaging Garden for Play:
Shine Bright Flora Hill Kindergarten
Karingal Primary School, Frankston Surfside Primary School, Ocean Grove
Beaconhills College, Pakenham
Maxicrop – Best Edible Garden Award:
Holy Cross Primary School, New Gisborne Camberwell South Primary School
Collingwood College
Garden City Plastics & Norwood –P55 Recycling Champion Award
1st Diamond Creek Primary School
2nd Athol Road Primary School, Springvale South
3rd Surfside Primary School, Ocean Grove
Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria Most Engaging Garden for Wellbeing Learning:
Ardeer South Primary School
St Macartan’s Parish Primary School, Mornington Parade College, Bundoora
Independent Schools Victoria – Greatest Improvement of School’s Green Space:
Ferny Creek Primary School
Garrang Wilam Primary School, Truganina Keilor Downs College
Horticultural Media Victoria – Best School Habitat Garden:
Drouin West Primary School
Eltham East Primary School
Altona College
Australian Growing Solutions Award: Eltham Primary School
Fleming’s Nurseries Award: Osborne Primary School, Mount Martha
FoodCube by Biofilta Award:
Caulfield Grammar School - Wheelers Hill Junior Campus
RB Landscape Award:
Bass Coast Specialist School, Wonthaggi
Turf Victoria Award provided by HG Turf Group:
Kismet Primary School, Sunbury
State Award:
St James’ Parish Primary School, Sebastopol East Bentleigh Primary School
Keilor Downs College
The role of biostimulants in ornamentals
To introduce HICURE® locally, Syngenta performed additional scientific trials to verify that the plant health benefits observed overseas are replicated in local plant species. This comprehensive approach brings substantial scientific data to the biostimulant market, underpinning the credibility of HICURE®’s plant health benefits.
Syngenta’s commitment to rigorous testing supports the rollout of HICURE® in production nurseries and landscapes across Australia and New Zealand. This science-backed approach sets a new standard in the biostimulant industry, offering a reliable product for enhanced plant health and performance.
Recently Syngenta released HICURE® Biostimulant, its first amino acid specific biostimulant. HICURE® consists of 19 various amino acids totalling 62.5% concentration in a combination of free amino acids, short chained peptides and long chained peptides. The free amino acids assimilate rapidly into the plant and are immediately available for various processes. Short chained peptides absorb next and are converted to amino acids as required while long chained peptides provide excellent surfactant qualities to the leaf while being absorbed. Of the 19 amino acids, HICURE® exhibits high levels of both L-Glycine and L-Proline amino acids. L-Glycine is the smallest amino acid meaning it is an excellent organic chelating source for use with fertiliser. L-Proline is one of the most important amino acids and plays essential roles in photosynthesis, osmotic stress protection and overall cell strength. Derived from a natural source, the stringent manufacturing process ensures consistency from batch to batch. Applied either as a preventative or curative, trials have shown multiple benefits to plant health and recovery when using HICURE®
Trade Day report
By Nan Cleven
There was much action and a very upbeat atmosphere at December’s Summer Gala Trade Day at KCC Park, with tinsel and treats complementing the traditional colours of the festive season. Sponsored by NGIV Major Corporate Partner, Garden City Plastics, it was a busy Trials Week and pre-Christmas Trade Day – with much colour and plentiful stock on full display for this special time of year
« We extended a warm welcome to December Trade Day for our special guest, Daniela DeMartino – State Member for Monbulk – who was somewhat amused and very enthusiastic about taking on the role of ‘sounding the bell’ to mark the start of trade. Buyers lined up in anticipation at the main entry door and dutifully responded to the call.
2025 TRADE DAY DATES
Tuesday February 4
Tuesday March 4 GALA
Tuesday April 1
Tuesday May 6
Tuesday June 3 GALA
Tuesday July 1
Tuesday August 5
Tuesday September 2 GALA
Tuesday October 7
Tuesday October 28
Tuesday December 2 GALA
For January’s market, sponsored by Diaco’s Garden Nursery and DNA Group, we had looked forward to a calm day, with the weather forecast being much more temperate after a very hot spell.
It was a typical January Trade Day post the hectic festive season, with stand holders reporting good sales, complemented by the fine and mild weather conditions.
« Our happy duo from NGIV – Margaret (pictured) and Mei – spread good cheer and treats during trade time.
A regular at Trade Day for some 25 years – Robert Plechinger of Yackandandah Valley Nursery. Always entertaining and always good for a yarn, Robert's ‘dulcet tones’ herald his attendance at market each month!
One of our longest serving members Rex Newton from Ausprom, who is always one of the first to arrive each month, who lends a hand to any and everyone and has done so for over 30 years. Rex is facing surgery early in the new year – we wish him the very best for a speedy recovery and hope to be back on board helping us out again soon.
‘Ringing in the New Year’ – Greg Carrick of GCP as enthusiastic as ever; a new year, a new stand location and much anticipation for what lies ahead.
Right amongst the sea of colour that is their magnificent Clematis range, David, Judy and the crew from Alameda Homestead Nursery all but sold out of these amazing blooms.
David pictured here having a great time at Trade Day.
New to Trade Day: Sproutwell Greenhouses and Potter’s Shed
We welcomed Clayton, Lisa and Josh from Sproutwell to our December Trade Day. Sproutwell is Australia’s leading supplier of quality and easy to assemble backyard greenhouses and glasshouses. And alongside them was Jo Owen from Potter’s Shed – with an intriguing display of rustic outdoor décor. Both combined with a new perspective and interesting feature to one of our busiest Trade Days.
Lots of Christmas cheer and colour about at this time of year – and a true sign of the season, nothing quite as stunning as the massed colour of hydrangeas – and few do it better than Warners – buyers quick to snap up from the vivid selection on show.
Interview with NextGen OLIVIA JONES
Poyntons Nursery
Where do you work and what is your role?
I am the Greenlife Buyer at Poyntons Nursery.
How long have you worked there and how has your role progressed in that time?
I started out at Poyntons as an apprentice working in the seedling area. At the end of my apprenticeship the current seedling buyer was having a sea change and left the business. That’s when I was promoted to the role of the seedling buyer. It felt like such an honour as Poyntons started out as seedling nursery way back in the day and I felt proud to be contributing more to the business. Then I few years on I got my dream role as the Greenlife Buyer. I’m still learning a lot, but I love it!
What/or who inspired you to choose horticulture?
I feel I have always been surrounded by horticulture. My parents have been in the industry for over 40 years. My siblings and I were raised among the flowers, always trekking off to open gardens, nurseries and working in the garden ourselves. We used to propagate plants and sell them with bunches of flowers out the front of our house. There’s actually a little bit of a joke that goes around that I was born under the seedling bench at Poyntons. Warwick Poynton would allow Mum to bring me to work sometimes. So in short, the answer is my Dad and Mum. Andrew and Bernadine Jones. They are my inspiration. Let me tell you, if you saw what they did, how hard they work and their amazing garden, you would be inspired too! They make me proud.
What do you enjoy most about working in horticulture?
I love that you are constantly learning and networking. All our suppliers are incredible, and they are so happy to share knowledge. I love the challenge of fulfilling customer orders too. It’s so nice to buy the stock and watch our amazing team turn the vision to life.
What are your achievements and ambitions within the industry?
I’m very content with the Greenlife Buyer role. But I would love to know more about the growing side. You never know where you’ll end up in this industry. I’ve always wanted to get into growing flowers and foliage. That would be incredible. I know it’s hard work, but I’m not shy of that.
Who has inspired you on your journey?
My parents have inspired me the most. But people within the industry have too. Karen from Tavistock and Andrew from Rhodoglen are inspiring – their knowledge is absolutely incredible, and they always take the time for you. There’s so many more but I could be here for days. I feel so honoured to
work at Poyntons, I feel like I’ve been surrounded by the best. Dad’s knowledge is next level, and he is a true gardener. He really does practice what he preaches.
What is a typical day like for you?
Monday and Tuesday are my main office days, and I love that variety. Then I get out into the nursery and work in all areas really. That’s that beauty of the Greenlife Buyer at Poyntons. You’re not restricted to one area. You go where you’re needed, and I love being able to help. Towards the end of the week, I’m back in the office calling and managing customer orders and planning the following week.
Why should more young people choose horticulture as a career?
It’s an extremely rewarding industry. There are so many avenues you can go down. From growing to retail, landscaping and design. It also makes you feel like you’re doing your bit for the environment too. Find someone that’s willing to help you grow within the business and industry.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received on your journey?
I’ve had lots of great advice: “Put yourself out there. Don’t say no to anything”; “Knowledge is power”; and, “If you don’t have it, you can’t sell it.”
Are you studing a horticultural course?
I did an apprenticeship in Parks and Gardens. I often think I’d love to go and study more but you truly learn so much more when you’re out there on the job. The study gives you the tools to further educate yourself so once you know that the rest is up to you.
Tell us a bit about you; what you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love working on my garden. We are constantly creating and learning. Digging up lawn, creating new paths and trying different combinations of perennials. I also love my veggie garden. I have a big space for it too. Another hobby of mine is beekeeping. I love learning about them and there’s the added bonus of honey. Cooking and creating from all the beautiful goodness that comes from the garden is very grounding.
The next innovation in seedling protection is made for each other
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many of us are looking for that perfect match. If you or your customers are busy with planting projects then the perfect pairing for seedling protection is built around the ideas of sustainability, effectiveness and value for money.
Arborgreen launched their Mallee Elemental 65 Tree Guard in 2024 as an all-new option for a better way to grow and protect seedlings. Being made from 65% calcium carbonate, it’s able to be recycled completely in a 1-1 closed-loop process – whilst also maintaining the durability that had been the shortcoming of other recyclable or biodegradable tree guards. Now, add in Arborgreen’s new split pointed Bamboo Stakes to the picture and you have a pair of planting products that are partnered for a purpose – protecting plants without compromise on effectiveness or increased price.
After a significant period of field testing to explore the best stake combinations for the Mallee Elemental 65, it was determined that ease of use, sustainability and cost effectiveness had to remain the key focus. Traditional bamboo canes presented an alluring price point and had added points for their environmental sustainability (due to the speed at which bamboo grows); however, their cylindrical shape increased the wind movement of the guards. The innovation of split pointed bamboo stakes meant that the effectiveness of a pointed flat hardwood stake could be replicated at a lower cost – and have a smaller environmental footprint!
If you are looking for a new option for seedling protection that won’t cost the earth and that has been reliably backed by the trusted team at Arborgreen, you don’t have to look far. Find your perfect planting pair in the Mallee Elemental 65 with Split Pointed Bamboo canes.
Get in touch with the Arborgreen Team to learn more, call 1300 760 642 or email sales@arborgreen.com.au.
Garden Inspiration Group (GIG) is Growing
Garden Inspiration Group is delighted to announce that the Group now has eight members. Scotsburn Nurseries join GIG as a new member with Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) joining as a guest member.
Current members are: Biemond Nurseries, Bombora Pots, Grow Better, Plant Growers Australia, Takasho, Trenton Cottage, Ausflora Pacific, and now, of course, two new members.
Our annual function in March 2025 will be amazing and even better than previous years.
GIG presenters will show you new releases and innovations
Invitations will be posted to Independent Garden Centres in January 2025, but pop the date in your calendar now: 3 March 2025 at The Manningham, Bulleen.
The nucleus of GIG started in 1995 with PGA and Floriana taking staff training and new plant information directly into garden centres pre-spring and autumn. GIG has expanded hugely since then.
Our aim at all times is to assist owner-operated garden centres to compete in the marketplace and help them improve sales and profits.
Inquiries to Leigh Siebler: E: leigh.siebler@bigpond.com
RETAIL STATE OF PLAY
GCA Inspiration Tour, NSW, 2025
Mark your calendars for February 17 2025! The GCA Inspiration Tour in NSW promises to be an extraordinary experience. With a carefully curated itinerary by Brian Merrick and Rob Macri, this event is designed to inspire and delight garden centre professionals.
Why Join the Tour?
The Inspiration Tour ties in perfectly with the Reed Gift Fair, making it a must for anyone already planning to attend. Spaces are limited to just 25 participants, so early booking is essential! Highlights of the Tour:
• The Calyx in the Botanic Gardens
• The Strand Arcade
• The Grounds of South Eveleigh
• Finishing at Barangaroo at the Pumphouse for a combined gathering with IGC.
One Tree Per Child (OTPC): A Growing Success
The One Tree Per Child (OTPC) initiative continues to thrive, with five new garden centres joining GCA in the last part of 2024 as a direct result of the program. Autumn 2025 will see a relaunch of OTPC, complete with a revised version of the
activity booklet with extra pages catering for an extended age bracket.
So far, 20,000 “Lets Get Gardening Activity Bags” have been purchased by members and shared with customers, creating a significant impact. The program’s social media reach has been phenomenal.
Stay Connected with GCA
For the latest updates, event details and industry insights, follow GCA on Facebook, Insta & Garden Centres of Australia FB Chat Room.
For inquiries or to book your spot on the Inspiration Tour, contact: Lisa McCann | e: manager@gardencentresaustralia.com.au m: 0438 387 677
Lisa McCann, GCA General Manager | e: manager@gardencentresaustralia.com.au | m: 0438 387 677
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