Groundswell – June 2023

Volume 34 Number 4

June 2023

PUBLISHER

NURSERY & GARDEN INDUSTRY VICTORIA

PRESIDENT Simon Gomme

CEO Craig Taberner

CONTRIBUTORS Simon Gomme, Craig Taberner, James Nicklen, Matt Stephens, Kate Neilson, Nan Cleven, Gerard Tan

ADVERTISING NGIV T: (03) 9576 0599

ADDRESS Unit 3, 307 Wattletree Road, Malvern East VIC 3145.

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TELEPHONE (03) 9576 0599

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EMAIL ngiv@ngiv.com.au www.ngiv.com.au

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PRINTING Norwood Industries

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Our front cover:

A family owned business providing quality products and expert advice for 42 years in the western suburbs. Our extensive range includes this beautiful Anigozanthos available at https://shop.allgreen.com.au/ or at the store at Hoppers Crossing www.allgreen.com.au

Executive update

Welcome to our June 2023 edition of Groundswell. This month, once again, we bring you the latest news from Victoria’s horticulture industry, along with feature articles, profiles, and business tips.

After the success of previous years’ Parliamentary Showcases, we are thrilled to announce that NGIV will once again be heading to Queens Hall, Parliament House, in August for the Victorian Horticulture Parliamentary Showcase. The Showcase is a fantastic opportunity to highlight to Members of Parliament the industry’s strength and its contributions to Victoria’s economy, environment, liveability, and overall wellbeing. It is an important event that enables us to advocate for our industry and have our members’ voices heard.

Recently, we announced our annual horticultural industry awards evening, a night of celebration where we recognise some of the outstanding achievements from across our industry. Taking place on Saturday 15 July at Zinc, Federation Square, in the heart of the CBD, our winter wonderland themed evening will be one to remember, with delicious food, live music and entertainment as well as plenty of time for networking.

Award nominations have been sought throughout April and May, and we look forward to presenting a suite of awards this year, including:

» Commitment to Environmental Stewardship (New Award for 2023)

» Certificate of Service Awards (New Award for 2023)

» Horticulture Student of the Year

» Young Horticulture Leader of the Year (under 35)

» President’s Distinguished Service Award Industry awards continue to be an excellent way to promote excellence and to acknowledge valuable contributions to the industry. Tickets for the night are available now via the NGIV website.

Along with many in the industry, NGIV was disappointed to receive news about Swinburne University’s closure of its VET horticulture. During the consultation period, NGIV voiced concerns and sought to contribute to the decision-making process, while working with government departments and other RTOs, to ensure that the best outcomes could be realised for our employers and students.

Swinburne’s horticulture department has a long history of industry engagement and has a team of staff who are passionate about the industry and dedicated to their students. NGIV feels for affected employers, employees and students.

In other news, we were excited to officially launch the website for the Grow Your Future project recently. The website aims to make it easier for jobseekers to participate in the project and find employment within the horticulture industry.

The program supports jobseekers to take their first steps into the world of horticulture and begin their careers in a dynamic and thriving industry. It seeks to empower successful candidates to reach their potential through workplace training and industry-specific learning.

Together with Jobs Victoria, NGIV have developed the Grow Your Future project to address employment and retention barriers for businesses in the horticulture industry by investing in future candidates through a recruitment, learning and development program. To grow your workforce in time for spring or to find out more about the project, contact the NGIV office and speak to David Reid or Rachna (Richie) Horn.

We have also been seeking expressions of interest in Branch Out, an exciting new project

Simon Gomme President, NGIV

Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV

developed by NGIV, supported by the Victorian Government’s Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund (SSAF). Working closely with experienced consultants, we have developed immersive educational experiences that encourage students to Branch Out and learn about the thriving and dynamic world of horticulture.

The centrepiece of the Branch Out educational experience is an incursion, facilitated and funded through the SSAF, that will immerse students in different areas of horticultural study, while it all culminates in a fully funded excursion to learn about some of the incredible work being done in the industry.

Our Trade Days in April and May were both lively markets, with all stands occupied by Australia's leading growers and allied businesses. We’re encouraging more buyers at Trade Day with a referral promotion, offering incentives for current buyers to sign up new buyers, and we’re expecting to see plenty of new faces at coming Trade Days. For more information about the promotion or NGIV’s Trade Day, please contact the NGIV office

We’ve also got some exciting new Tree & Shrub Grower meetings taking place over the coming months. This month, we head to Plant Access in Heatherton for a joint TSG–NextGen event before heading across to Lara to visit Boomaroo Nurseries. Last but certainly not least, we have our TSG South Australia tour in September, which is sure to be an exciting and memorable time. Each of these events presents a fantastic opportunity to learn from others in the industry and connect with industry peers. With an aim to bring people from across the industry together, we encourage all our members to join us at these events, especially NextGen’ers and retail members who might not have attended an NGIV event before. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude once again to our industry partners for their continued support. Our partners are recognised as leading figures, innovators, and advocates for best horticultural practice, and by joining NGIV’s elite network of industry partners, they have gained invaluable exposure and opportunities while supporting the work we do to maintain the strength of our industry. Contact NGIV to discover how a partnership with us can benefit not only your business but the entire Victorian horticulture industry.

We wish all our members a safe and successful winter. We look forward to seeing many of you at one of our exciting upcoming events.

Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV Simon Gomme President, NGIV Powerplants Australia

All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies: Your One-Stop Shop for Quality Gardening Products and Services

By Matt Stephens, All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies

Gardening is one of the most fulfilling hobbies that anyone can take up. It offers a chance to relax, connect with nature and create beautiful spaces that add value to your property. However, gardening requires a lot of time, effort and the right tools. At All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies, we understand the needs of gardeners and landscapers.

Our family-owned business has been providing quality gardening products and services in Hoppers Crossing and now at Epping for over 40 years. There are several reasons why we are the go-to destination for home gardeners, landscapers and horticulturalists.

All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies was founded in 1979 by the Fragapane family. The family had a passion for gardening, and they decided to turn their hobby into a business. They started by growing plants in their backyard and selling them at local markets. As the business grew, they expanded their operations and opened a retail store in Hoppers Crossing. Today, All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies is one of the largest nurseries in

Victoria, covering over six acres of land. Despite our growth, we have remained a family-owned business, and we continue to be committed to providing the best products and services to our customers.

At All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies, we offer a wide range of gardening products and services. Our products include plants, gardening tools, soil, mulch, fertilizers, and much more. We have an extensive range of plants, including native and exotic species. Our team of horticulturalists can offer expert advice on the best plants for your garden and how to care for them. We also stock a variety of gardening tools from leading brands, Cyclone & Garden Master.

At All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies, we are committed to giving back to the community. With partnership with local schools, community groups, and charities to support their gardening projects. We provide plants, soil, and other gardening supplies to help them create beautiful outdoor spaces. The team at All Green believe that gardening is a great way to bring people together and are proud to support local initiatives that promote sustainability and community involvement.

All Green believes that gardening should be sustainable and eco-friendly. That's why we offer a range of products that are environmentally friendly. Our products are driven by sustainability and commitment to the environment. We also offer a range of products that promote this, such as We the Wild.

At All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies, we are committed to providing the highest standards of quality and service to our customers. We pride ourselves on our friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are always available to offer advice and guidance. We are also proud members of the Nursery & Garden Industry of Victoria, which means that we adhere to the industry’s best practices and standards.

All Green Nursery & Garden Supplies is your one-stopshop for quality gardening products and services. With over 40 years of experience, we have built a reputation for excellence and sustainability and consider ourselves a brand leader.

Cultivating Inspiration: The Van Loon's Nursery Team

By James Nicklen

For almost 60 years, Van Loon’s Nursery on the Bellarine Peninsula has been a beloved destination for gardeners and plant enthusiasts from all around Victoria and beyond. From its humble beginnings as a wholesale and retail nursery run by the Van Loon family in the early 60s, the business has evolved over time. Today, Van Loon’s Nursery is owned by Heidi Martin and her husband Philip, who have built a strong and stable management team who wouldn’t rather work anywhere else.

Stepping inside the nursery, the care and attention to detail that is paid to every aspect of the Van Loon’s experience is immediately apparent. As the front doors slide open, customers are greeted by an array of green life, gift ware, homewares, and clothing, before being welcomed by the friendly staff, and the nursery’s popular resident cat, Lucy.

“Everyone wants to be here,” says Sarah Walton, General Manager. “You come to Van Loon’s and people want to be here,” she says, referring to staff and customers alike. She acknowledges that it’s a ‘destination’ nursery – located in Wallington, about a 25-minute drive from Geelong, it’s not out of the way as such, but it’s also not likely that you’d stumble upon it – so most of the people that come to Van Loon’s are people who have made a decisive, deliberate effort to visit or are loyal returning customers. And it pays to get to know the people who come through the doors. “You get to know their

names, what’s happening in their gardens, their dog’s names,” Sarah says. It all contributes to the experience.

Continuing through Van Loon’s, past eye-catching displays and out the next set of doors will find you in the indoor plant section, stocked with an impressive range of plants and gardening products. Wander a little further and you’ll end up in a vast outdoor area that features a café; carefully created garden displays, with products and plants arranged thoughtfully and methodically (mostly in alphabetical order); and a growing area where a small range of plants are grown for the nursery. This setting itself is a point of difference, for both the nursery and the café. “People are surrounded by beautiful things” at Van Loon’s, says Heidi.

It’s related to what Heidi sees as key to the nursery’s ongoing success: inspiration. The beautiful setting helps to foster creativity, inspiring and sparking people’s interest.

TheVan Loon'sTeam. L to R: Standing –Tania Hogan, JuliaWilliams, Sharon Strickland, Caitlyn Martin. Seated – KestenWalton, SarahWalton GM, and Heidi Martin.

“I really enjoy that collaboration of bringing likeminded people together: staff, customers, and product,” Heidi says. “It’s a unique place,” says Sarah. “Vital and energetic after almost 60 years of business,” adds Heidi.

This vitality is embodied in the nursery’s dedicated and passionate team of staff. The nursery employs around 50–55 people, who all share a love for plants and gardening. “Our staff are gardeners, first and foremost, and that shines through,” Heidi says. “Our customers know that they come here and they’re speaking to someone who knows about plants, who’s grown them, who knows what’s going to happen to it in one year, two years, five years. They know how to treat pest and disease and what will give them a good outcome in their garden. We’ve got a lot of longstanding staff, who have been here for many years, who customers get to know and come back to for repeated advice. So, there’s that trust between our customers and our staff that you can’t put a price on," says Heidi.

The management team, which Heidi describes as the most stable management team she’s had in her career, is comprised of Julia Williams, the nursery manager, who was a garden designer and Van Loon’s customer before joining the team; Sharon Strickland, who was also a customer but is now an essential part of the team, known for her warm personality; Kesten Walton, café manager and chef, is a passionate foodie who brings her inspiration and expertise to the café; Caitlyn Martin is the nursery’s business manager; and Tania Hogan, the newest member of the team, oversees the hardware section of the nursery. And then of course, there’s Sarah, a capable and driven manager who has flourished in her role, continuing to take on additional responsibilities as Heidi has begun to take a step back. Together, this group of individuals works to maintain the nursery’s welcoming and inspiring environment. And in something that has happened organically, the management team all happen to be women.

“A lot of longstanding staff who have stayed at the nursery have got to know the business well, and that puts them in good stead for a management position,” Heidi says of the team’s formation. “Often the best person for the job happened to be a woman.”

Aside from the organisation skills, people skills and horticultural skills they bring to the nursery, the Van Loon’s management team are particularly adept at nurturing each other’s strengths and creating an environment of open communication and gratitude. “We know who does what well,” says Heidi. “We notice what people are good at and consider how we can use that in the business. We’ve all worked together for many years, so there’s this great camaraderie among the team,” she says. Sarah agrees, “We’ve all got each other’s backs.”

It’s a source of great pride for Heidi and Sarah, this trust that has been built within the team. “We all invest a lot of emotion and love and energy,” says Heidi. “It’s a collective effort”

Sarah emphasises the importance of building relationships with others in the broader industry and offers some advice for those beginning their careers in horticulture: “Meet as many people as you can,” she says. “By getting out there, reading Groundswell and going to Trade Day, through meeting other growers, other retail nurseries, you realise everyone has the same problems. It just broadens your whole understanding of the industry. We’re a part of a bigger industry and it’s very important to know that that’s out there.” Having been in the industry since she was a teenager, Heidi’s advice is to, “Push yourself, step out of your comfort zone and you never know what you can do.”

Looking ahead, Heidi and Sarah will continue to support their team of staff to progress in their careers and hone their skills. Heidi hopes that the nursery will continue to thrive for many years, and she is confident that the business will be passed to new custodians when the time is right. “I’d like to think that Van Loon’s will continue to roll on for many years to come,” she says.

“It was obviously started by the Van Loons, and I’ve been here for 20 years and have made an impact and improved the business. Somebody will take it on after me,” Heidi says.

When the business is eventually passed on, Heidi’s words of wisdom for the new custodians might just echo those of Tony van Loon, who was a positive influence in Heidi’s early years at the nursery and remains a mentor and close friend. He left a note when he left the business in 2007, which is now pinned to a board in the staff room. The note references the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which promotes continuous improvement through small, everyday refinements. It serves as a reminder to the team to always be open to change, and to continue to look for ways to improve the business every day. “Every single day we strive to be better and always offer the very best service we can,” Heidi says.

It’s this commitment to improvement that has meant Van Loon’s remains vital, inspiring, and energetic today, after almost 60 years of business.

Recognise Achievement and Celebrate Excellence at NGIV’s Annual Awards Night

The Victorian horticultural industry is one that is steeped in history and now forms a vital part of the national economy, contributing in excess of $2.5 billion annually. It ’s an industry that our association is proud to oversee, first being formed in 1903. Our members continue to play their part in supporting our state and the national economy, environment and community.

Through recognising our members, as well as those setting exceptional standards in our industry, we move towards further developing our Victorian horticultural sector as a leader across the nation.

Celebrating the outstanding achievements of the passionate people, inspiring businesses and cutting-edge developments is an important part of our association. Honouring the best of the best is just one way we can continue to inspire excellence within the horticultural industry not only across the state but also across the country.

The NGIV Annual Awards Night, and the nomination process, encourages you to reflect on achievements from the past year within your own organisation – whether that be staff, innovative ideas, projects, or businesses showcasing brilliance. The night itself offers an opportunity to come together and share and celebrate those deserving of recognition.

Taking place at Zinc – Federation Square, in the heart of Melbourne CBD, our winter wonderland themed Annual Awards Night will be one to remember. Come along to acknowledge achievement and celebrate excellence in style at the NGIV Annual Awards Night.

Among the prestigious awards to be awarded this year are:

Horticulture Student of the Year

The Horticulture Student of the Year award is presented to a student of any age who is currently enrolled and studying for an apprenticeship or training course within the horticulture sector that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

Young Horticulture Leader of the Year

This award recognises Victoria’s up-and-coming horticultural talent. This person may only just be starting out in their career, but have displayed the capability, commitment, and vision, to become a future leader.

Life Member

A Life Member shall be a person deemed by the Board to have rendered valuable and distinguished service to the Association and who has been a Member for not less than ten (10) years and who has been elected by the Members at any Annual General Meeting of the Association as a Life Member of the Association.

Honorary Member

An Honorary Member shall be a person deemed by the Board to have rendered valuable and distinguished service to the Association, and who has, as a result of the person’s service record, been recommended by the Board to the Members at any Meeting of the Association to be appointed as an Honorary Member of the Association for the period until the next Annual General Meeting of the Association.

Certificate of Service Awards

The Certificate of Service Awards acknowledge various membership milestones to Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria. The categories for recognition are within 10-year increments (10 years, 20 years, etc.).

President’s Distinguished Service Award

The President’s Distinguished Services Award recognises an individual that has made a significant contribution to the association and the industry over an extended period of time and has done so freely, willingly and selflessly.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Saturday 15 July 2023

Time: 7 – 11pm

Dress code: Cocktail

Venue: Zinc – Federation Square

Cnr Princes Walk &, Russell St Ext, VIC 3000

Cost: $230 per adult | $215 for bookings of 5+

Tickets: Visit the NGIV website or scan the QR code on opposite page.

NGIV partners with Jobs Victoria to Grow Your Future

Prepare for spring now

Are you finding it difficult to source suitable candidates to fill positions within your business?

Together with Jobs Victoria, Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) has developed a project to address employment and retention barriers for businesses in the horticulture industry by investing in future candidates through a recruitment, learning and development program. The program will focus on candidates from key priority groups including long term unemployed people, people from CALD communities, young people and women over 45.

What is the Grow Your Future project?

NGIV will find and filter candidates through a 6–7 day, fully-funded recruitment process.

One day leadership training for employer mentor(s).

Three days pre-vocational training in key workplace skills to build candidate’s confidence and job readiness.

An additional three days of introductory horticultural training, to expose candidates to the many facets of this diverse and important industry.

Candidates will be trained in various key workplace skills by an experienced recruitment specialist. They will also be provided with free access to vital resources and supports, including employment checks, uniforms and workplace personal protective equipment (PPE).

Training summary

Eligibility criteria for employer

Access to a selection of job ready candidates

NGIV will cover the learning and material expenses including preemployment checks and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Recruitment will take place by experienced recruitment specialists who will match candidates to your jobs and skills requirements

Employers can be involved in the recruitment process. They will have the opportunity to meet candidates throughout the training process to get a sense of who they are and how they might best fit their business

Additional funding, including an employer mentor support subsidy and any social / cultural training supportand assistance

There are numerous supports with minimal recruitment interference and costs (fully-funded recruitment process)

Day 01

Candidates will be trained in employability skills, such as communication, problem solving and the skills expected in the workplace – including interpersonal skills and teamwork.

Candidates will learn about their rights and employers’ responsibilities in the workplace regarding employees’ wellbeing, health and safety and how to effectively give and receive feedback to build a better workplace.

Day 03

Candidates will explore potential job opportunities with employers and learn how to be adaptable and resilient in the workplace.

Candidates will be provided with an insight into the horticulture industry, including safe horticultural practices and career opportunities and pathways available to them.

Day 02

Able to provide an ongoing position of a minimum of 19 hours per week for 12 months or more, in a part-time or full-time secure position

Pay employee under the Nursery Award with a minimum base rate of $21.38 per hour (Grade 1A) for the initial three-month period and $21.97 per hour (Grade 1B) thereafter, as varied by Fair Work

Provide a safe work environment as per the Work Health and Safety Act

Amend the observation and knowledge checklist

Provide employer mentor(s) for the employer mentoring program

Day 04 –06

With this background knowledge of what a career in horticulture might look like and a strong foundation of key workplace skills, candidates can proactively prepare themselves for long-term success and contribute to a successful workplace.

Allow contact from training providers Skillinvest and Melbourne Polytechnic where necessary

Allow regular visits from training provider mentors including 12 weeks of weekly visits and 7 weeks of fortnightly visits of up to 1 hour as part of the 26-week mentoring program

Provide employee induction including but not limited to onsite safety training

Provide any supporting evidence that may be required such as payslips and contracts

This program is time and cost effective for businesses, and provides valuable opportunities for Victorian jobseekers. Submit your interests to rachna@ngiv.com.au

For more information, scan the QR code or contact Rachna (Richie) on 0488 083 864.

Tree and Shrub Growers: Garden City Plastics tour Dandenong branch

In a successful gathering, Garden City Plastics (GCP) recently played host to the April event for Tree & Shrub Growers of Victoria. The event, which took place on Thursday 18 April, drew an impressive turnout with over 60 attendees.

The morning commenced with a warm welcome, as the attendees were treated to a cup of barista-made coffee. Following the caffeine boost, participants embarked on an enlightening tour of the GCP facilities, led by GCP General Manager, Geoff Allison. The tour allowed the guests to see some of the cutting-edge technology used by GCP while gaining valuable insights into their operations and processes.

After the tour, breakfast was served while guests settled in to hear from a line-up of industry speakers who provided valuable updates and shared insights into new products and initiatives. Greg Waller, GCP’s Victoria Field Service Manager, kicked off the discussions with an informative session on GCP’s pioneering efforts in partnership with Norwood and Polymer Processors to advance PP5 and introduce the new PS6 recycling initiatives The attendees gained a deeper understanding of the rationale behind GCP's proactive stance in closing the loop on plastic waste and embracing sustainable practices.

Kiana Barrie-Gresham and Edwina Gadsby from BASF shed light on the potential benefits of promising new products including the fungicide Lexicon and pesticide Danisaraba and how they can be used in the industry.

Peter Frewin, representing Syngenta, provided an update on a new bio stimulant called Hicure and an improved formulation of Barricade G, one of the leading pre-emergent herbicides available.

In an engaging presentation, Craig Burleigh from ENVU shared details about the agency agreement between ENVU and GCP, highlighting the top products within ENVU’s range and offering a sneak peek into future innovations, including the introduction of Specticle.

Special commendation goes to Elliott Akintola, Gary Edwards, and Greg Waller from GCP, as well as Jess Wozniak and Cathy Rideg from NGIV, who played pivotal roles in organising a memorable and enjoyable morning for all attendees.

The event proved to be an excellent platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, and gain inspiration from the latest developments in the industry. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Tree and Shrub Grower events. Flip to page 39 to see our events calendar or visit NGIV.com.au/events.

It’s time for employers to embrace the sideways career

By Kate Neilson

If career progression is no longer headed in a straight line, neither should our learning and development. In order to grow robust and enthusiastic talent, we need to weave learning in at a cultural level and normalise the sideways career.

If you asked HR and leaders to name their top three concerns of the past year, they’d probably say something like: we’re worried about our best employees quitting; we don’t know how to make our hybrid experiences as engaging as in-person interactions; and we’re worried we don’t have the right skills in the business to excel in the future.

These are all valid concerns, but people often skip over a crucial factor that has the potential to remedy all three issues: embedding learning and development (L&D) into a company’s culture.

The groundswell of panic about the skills squeeze has led to greater investments in learning and development (L&D) programs. That’s great, especially considering Deloitte and DeakinCo’s finding that every $1 invested in L&D per employee delivers a $4.70 return in revenue.

But a company’s L&D approach shouldn’t start and end with siloed webinars or one-off courses. It needs to encompass the everyday aspects of people’s work.

“It’s about asking, ‘How do we create a culture of everyday, rather than ad-hoc, development?’ And being specific about the opportunities for learning,” says Sarah Ellis, author and co-founder of development company Amazing If. “For example, how do we create everyday development on feedback, on learning from mistakes, on repeating our successes?

“If you say to someone, ‘Have you spent any time learning this month?’ they will often say ‘no’ because traditional ladder-like approach of learning equals going on a training course. Instead, we need a new mindset and a much broader definition of what learning looks and feels like,” says Ellis, who has previously held leadership roles with Barclays and Sainsbury’s.

Embracing a squiggly career

While you might still pepper one-day workshops into your learning approach, if you want to use development as an opportunity to grow and retain your people, and safeguard your business, you need to think bigger.

Not only does this create a more compelling and stimulating environment for people to work in, it also helps business leaders to develop cross-functional employees who can task-hop with ease, adding value to different parts of the business.

A ladder isn’t a helpful frame of reference for our careers anymore; it doesn’t reflect our experiences or our aspirations. Instead, organisations need to embrace what Ellis and her Amazing If co-founder Helen Tupper call ‘squiggly careers’.

“A squiggly career is one where you never stop learning. Your squiggle is unique to you. We develop in different ways and directions.”

Get experimental with sideways careers

If employees want to embrace a sideways career (i.e. they want to become expert at something new without having to step into management), they shouldn’t have to look externally.

Businesses need to think about how they can create fresh career opportunities within the business (internal squiggles) to help scratch employees’ three-year itch.

“The challenge for organisations is that [many people] think that to do something to develop and progress, they have to leave the organisation. That isn’t true in the majority of cases.”

People often want to broaden their influence, work in a new department or diversify their skillset. These are all things they can do in their existing organisation.

“Experiments are a great way for organisations to quickly start supporting employees to squiggle and stay.

“We encourage businesses to set up ‘career safaris’ where you give people a ‘holiday’ to work in a different department for a couple of weeks. It’s not about a permanent move. It’s about giving permission and actively encouraging employees to be curious about where their careers could take them within the organisation.”

For example, you might move your marketer into corporate responsibility – which is what happened to Ellis – even though they’ve never worked in that space before.

“Moving between functions stretched my strengths and supported me to develop new skills. I worked for a director who could see that I could transfer my talents from one part of the organisation to another, and actively supported me to upskill.

“We need to think about what the organisation needs to gain and what employees have got to give. When you can bring the give and gain together, that’s where you land on a win-win solution.”

Coaching conversations

A huge part of embracing a learning culture is helping leaders get better at career development conversations, says Ellis.

“The frequency and quality of career conversations is an important unlocker of agile talent flow across your organisation,” she says.

Career conversations don’t have to take up hours, she adds. They might be 15 minutes every other week exploring something specific, like how to stretch someone’s strengths or mapping out the next move someone wants to make in their career – be that upwards or sideways.

Ellis says it’s important that HR, leaders and managers are giving people permission to explore opportunities.

“People don’t know what they don’t know. There is often fear associated with talking to someone senior about different career options, as employees worry that this will impact their opportunities or progression in the short term.

“Managers can also get territorial about their talent, but they should be asking: ‘What other areas of our business are you interested in exploring? And what are the strengths that you would like to use more frequently? And how can we find opportunities or projects for you to get involved in that?’

You’re nicely nudging your team to broaden their horizons.”

Not only do leaders need to encourage taking sideways steps, they also need to openly discuss the importance of weaving learning into people’s weeks.

“My questions are: ‘How could you start your week with some learning?’ and, even better, ‘What would ten minutes spent learning everyday look like for you?’”

Building a learning culture

If you want to shake up the way you approach learning in your organisation, you first need to collect and publicise people’s skills. This needn’t be a laborious task, says Ellis.

“Sometimes you can over-design these things. It’s much better to just get started. We often default to complicated technology as the answer, but many organisations can’t afford that technology. I have seen this work well in an Excel spreadsheet.”

You just need a centralised place where people can record their talents.

“If that was me, I’d be writing: ‘I love starting stuff from scratch. I love the opportunity to develop new ideas. I’m really good at building long-term strategic relationships.'”

Alternatively, she says, “You could also do this with a series of videos where people introduce themselves, outline what they do and then share their three main talents.’

When you’re starting a new project in the future and you need someone to ideate, someone to polish and someone to get external stakeholders excited about the idea, you can refer to this database and build a solid team to execute.

“As the L&D or HR function, your job isn’t to solve this for everyone. Your job is to create and champion career experiments, but this has to have shared ownership. HR needs to involve, not solve.”

More information

This article was originally published in October 2022 on HRMOnline, the member publication of the Australian HR Institute. You can view the original article at https://www.hrmonline.com.au.

Waxflower ‘Local Hero’: All Set for Spring Success

Helix Australia’s inaugural fundraising collaboration with SAS Resources Fund, the Waxflower ‘Local Hero’, is on track for a successful rollout this spring.

‘Local Hero’ is a stunning compact landscape plant bred by Kings Park and Botanic Gardens in Perth, featuring abundant dainty pink blooms in late spring.

Helix Australia has commissioned a special Waxflower ‘Local Hero’ label, with $1 from each plant sold donated to SAS Resources Fund.

The SAS Resource Fund aims to support current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as their families, who face hardships due to their service with the Special Air Service Regiment. This assistance extends to other Defence Force personnel and their families left affected by disability or loss during Special Air Service Regiment operations, exercises, or activities.

Helix Australia has partnered with growers nationwide, including Benara Nursery (WA), Domus Nursery (WA), Humphris Nursery (VIC), Pohlmans Nursery (QLD), and Westland Nursery (TAS).

Adrian Parsons, Managing Director of Helix Australia says the ‘Local Hero’ crop is looking great in all locations.

“Waxflower plants put on their growth over the warm summer months and the compact nature of these new hybrid forms presents really well in the pot” , says Parsons.

He continues, “In addition, we have commissioned a larger label featuring the SAS logo and this creates a strong point-ofsale presentation”

To help create strong consumer awareness for Waxflower ‘Local Hero’, Helix Australia has commissioned a promotional segment on Garden Gurus which will be featured on Channel 9 in spring.

Additionally, Kings Park and Botanic Garden have organised large billboards on their garden entrances promoting ‘Local Hero’ to passing motorists.

More information

For more information visit Helix Australia www.helixaustralia.com.au

WHOLESALE NURSERY | LANDSCAPING AND SEASONAL LINES BORDERING PLANT OPTIONS | POTTED PLANTS

New member profile: Brother Nature Nurseries

Brother Nature Nurseries is a wholesale nursery in Morwell, Victoria, specialising in landscape supply. They collaborate closely with landscapers from the beginning of projects to the end, providing top-quality plants for every project. With a wide selection of plants sourced and grown in Victoria, they ensure the highest standards are met, and their dedicated team reviews and updates the selection monthly, guaranteeing quality and service. Whether you’re a landscaper, gardener or looking to find a wholesale nursery, Brother Nature Nurseries is a great fit for your business.

What makes Brother Nature unique?

We were established to grow plants that we like to use in our own garden designs as well as to grow plants that we like. We have extensive experience in Landscape Design and Construction as well as retail.

What is your stock range?

We mainly grow 140mm pots, including plants like salvia, syzigium, buxus, canmelias, pachysandra and general Landscape lines. We also grow some of our stock on to 250mm pot size and add value like clipped westringia.

Who is a typical Brother Nature customer?

We have a range of clients including landscapers, retail stores and we move quite a lot through the plant brokers.

Have you worked with any NGIV members before?

Yes, we’ve worked with quite a few, including sourcing through other members for our sister company Luxescape Design.

How do you market yourselves to your customers?

We use several channels to connect with our customers: email list, Evergreen Connect, social media and we also conduct spec runs through the eastern part of the state.

Do you have any longer-term plans for Brother Nature?

We are in negotiations to acquire a second site, mainly for growing on into advanced size and collaboration with local government projects. We are also selling plants into NSW through our garden design franchise and will be expanding that side later this year.

Tell us a little bit about your core team and skills. Brett Ingwersen (CEO) has been in the industry for close to 25 years working mainly in retail and garden design and landscaping Tim Opie is running our production site in Morwell and has been active in the nursery industry for many years. We have also just added a few new staff to support Tim, and these crew have experience working in propagation of natives, perennials, and succulents.

How can NGIV members learn more about Brother Nature products and services?

People can get in touch with us via our website brothernature.com.au, email at hello@brothernature.com.au or by calling us on 0458 000 659.

Why did you become an NGIV member?

We realised that there is strength in numbers and that the membership allows us to get support as we need as well as great networking opportunities.

We’re delighted to have Brother Nature Nurseries join the NGIV as a full member. AsVictoria’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

Brother Nature Nurseries, 85 Alexanders Road

Morwell, VIC 3840

e: hello@brothernature.com.au | m: 0458 000 659

www.brothernature.com.au

Gardening – cultivating wellbeing through the year

By Gerard Tan

Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it does come with its unique set of challenges. Our climate is known for its variability, with hot and dry summers and cool and damp winters. As the seasons change, so too do our gardens.

Gardening is known to have numerous benefits for our mental and physical health. Observing the changes in our gardens can support our wellbeing across the seasons by help us to connect with nature and promote a sense of mindfulness.

In springtime, we see new growth and an explosion of colour as flowers begin to bloom. This is a time of renewal and regeneration, and it can be a great opportunity to get outside and start working on our gardens. Planting new flowers and vegetables can be a great way to connect with the earth and promote a sense of wellbeing. Getting our hands dirty and feeling the soil beneath our fingers can be a grounding experience, and studies have shown that gardening can reduce stress and anxiety.

As spring gives way to summer, we start to see the rewards of our hard work, when plants begin to produce their flowers and fruits. This is a time of abundance and vitality, and it’s important to take the time to appreciate the beauty of our gardens. Whether it’s sitting outside and enjoying the warm weather or harvesting our crops, being in nature can have a positive impact on our mental health. Spending time in the sun (with appropriate protection!) can also boost our vitamin D levels, which is important for bone health and immunity.

As autumn arrives, and leaves begin to change and fall, there is a shift in the colours and textures of our gardens. This is a time of transition and preparation for the winter months. It can be a good opportunity to reflect on the past growing season

and plan for the next one. Harvesting the last of our crops and cleaning up our gardens can be a satisfying experience, and it can help us to feel a sense of accomplishment. Studies have also shown that spending time in nature can improve our mood and cognitive function, which can be helpful as we begin to adjust to the changing seasons.

Finally, as winter sets in, the leaves have fallen, the flowers wilted, and the weather is grey and wet. Winter can be a time of rest and regeneration, for our gardens and ourselves. Mulching the soil or pruning our dormant trees can help ensure that our gardens are ready for the next growing season. Depending on our goals and resources, we could also choose to maintain the rhythm of growing by planting winter crops, such as kale, chard, and spinach. The physical activity and prospect of delicious produce can support our physical wellbeing, but also help us feel more grounded and centered during the winter months.

In conclusion, paying attention to the seasonal changes in our garden can be a great way to promote our mental and physical health. Whether it's by planting new flowers in the spring, enjoying the abundance of summer, reflecting on the past growing season in the fall, or caring for our gardens during the winter, being in nature can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. By taking the time to connect with our garden and appreciate its beauty, we can promote a sense of mindfulness and improve our overall quality of life.

More information

Gerard is NGIV’s dedicated mental health clinician/consultant. He supports NGIV member businesses in creating mentally healthy workplaces, and provides individual mental health and wellbeing consultations. The service is free and confidential. Scan the QR code to book an appointment.

It’s Up to You!

Winter is always a time when our industry feels the blues, but we shouldn’t. We all know that this is a time to plan and catch up on minor renovations that may have been put off. It’s also a great time to discuss with staff the best ways to merchandise, to talk about customer service, ask them for any feedback and so much more.

If customer numbers are low, then it’s even more important than ever to ensure that your stock levels are correct and importantly that your displays are inspiring. You will be able to find plenty of colourful plants to help with that. If you can’t, then create other colour with signs, photos or props, maybe ceramic pots.

Have you had a holiday? It is important that you do before a very busy spring.

Japanese potted colour – be different

Grow your future: nurturing horticulture jobs

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria and Jobs Victoria are taking significant strides in promoting inclusive employment and supporting disadvantaged jobseekers to enter the horticulture industry through the Grow Your Future project. The initiative, supported by the Victorian Government through Jobs Victoria, aims to recruit and train 100 passionate individuals seeking employment in the horticulture industry.

Recently, Minister for Employment Ben Carroll, along with Member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino, NGIV CEO, Craig Taberner, and Project Lead, Rachna Horn, visited Fleming’s Nursery in Monbulk to officially open applications for the $1.9 million project. NGIV member Fleming’s Nurseries – one of Australia’s largest wholesale nurseries for fruit and ornamental trees – is proud to be part of this inclusive employment program and welcomes the support from the project to meet its staffing needs.

Minister Carroll commended the project. “We’re backing people who may be struggling to find work to get the skills and experience they need to work in our nursery and garden industry. This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting a stable, flexible job that will set them up for a rewarding career.”

General Manager of Fleming’s Nurseries, Daniel Jansen, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “As a family-owned and operated business with a great culture, our local community is very important to us, and we’re proud to be part of a program that supports people who are finding it difficult to get into a job.”

Recognising the potential for long-term career prospects, Fleming’s Nurseries plans to create new positions for nursery hands and dispatch workers through the program. These ‘earn and learn’ roles will provide workers with pre-employment and on-the-job training, cultivating their skills and fostering an inclusive workforce community.

Horticulture plays a vital role in Victoria’s economy, generating $2.5 billion annually and employing more than 24,000 people. With 75% of businesses in the industry looking to expand, the Grow Your Future project will play a crucial role in strengthening the skilled workforce pipeline, with job opportunities primarily concentrated in east and southeast Melbourne, and some roles also available in regional Victoria.

The Grow Your Future project prioritises jobs for individuals who need additional support in finding work, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people, women over 45, and the long-term unemployed. Successful recruits will have secure work for 12 months, along with pre-employment and on-the-job training, mentoring support, and a workplace buddy. The project may also offer opportunities to pursue free and formal qualifications, further enhancing participants’ employability.

Daniela De Martino, Member for Monbulk, emphasised the project’s positive impact on the community. “This program will create more jobs, more upskilling opportunities, and more economic benefits for our community.”

NGIV and the Grow Your Future project are paving the way for a more inclusive and skilled workforce in the horticulture industry For more information about the project, visit www.ngiv.com.au, www.growyourfuture.org.au, www.jobs.vic.gov.au or call the NGIV office.

Ready for Growth Program –supporting Victoria’s businesses in 2023

The Ready for Growth (R4G) program was launched last year to provide support for businesses in identifying barriers to growth and facilitated support to identify services and programs to address these barriers.

The program is being delivered by Business Victoria with partner and world-leading financial services organisation, BDO Australia. It will support 1000 businesses and is available until 1 June 2024.

Participants will receive tailored advice and support from an expert growth facilitator matched to your business with relevant industry experience. These growth facilitators will provide advice that may help to improve your business performance, solve operational challenges, or help you make the right decisions and changes.

The program is currently accepting Expressions of Interests from eligible businesses to assist in accelerating growth, accessing new markets, and creating jobs in Victoria. Businesses can self-nominate their participation in R4G through an Expression of Interest form available on the Business Victoria website.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses to participate in Ready for Growth; however, participating businesses will be required to commit a minimum of 7 to 14 hours over the course of several months to work with an expert Growth Facilitator to realise their growth goals.

Small Business Victoria has partnered with BDO Australia to deliver the expert facilitation services to support participants with tailored advisory services.

Ready for Growth will help businesses to:

» develop a Growth Action Plan

» build capabilities for growth

» find grants and programs across Victorian and Federal Governments and industry groups to support growth

» improve connections to networks and ecosystems

» connect to peers through the Ready for Growth Alumni Network.

To

start your Ready for Growth journey

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if you meet the following the program requirements:

» are a legally structured business in Victoria

» have been in operation for at least three years

» have more than four employees and fewer than 200 employees

» have an annual revenue of less than $20 million.

Ready for Growth will help you define your business goals, build capability and develop a detailed understanding of your business needs to achieve maximum growth potential.

Review the latest case studies on the Business Victoria website to see how other Victorian businesses have benefited from the program and find out more about the participant guidelines and registration process at business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/ ready-for-growth.

More information

Please review the latest case-study to see how other Victorian businesses have benefited from the program. More information on the Participant Guidelines and registration process can be found on the Ready for Growth webpage.

The home office garden

For many, remote work is here to stay. In any case, more people are setting up home offices and considering what is required to create a healthy and productive working-from-home space. Having plants in your home workspace can provide numerous benefits:

Improved air quality: Plants can help improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. This can help reduce the levels of pollutants in your home workspace, leading to a healthier and more productive environment.

Increased productivity and creativity: Research has shown that plants can help boost productivity and creativity. They can help reduce stress and fatigue, which can lead to better concentration and focus. Plants can also help create a more visually appealing and relaxing atmosphere, which can further enhance productivity.

Improved mood and wellbeing: Plants have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. They

can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and create a more calming environment. This can lead to a more positive and enjoyable experience in your home office, which can help improve your overall quality of life.

Incorporating plants into your home office is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your wellbeing and productivity. From reducing stress levels and boosting creativity, to improving air quality and even potentially reducing noise levels, the benefits of indoor plants are undeniable. Whether you opt for a low-maintenance succulent or a statement fiddle leaf fig, investing in greenery can help to create a happier and healthier workspace at home.

New members

A big welcome to our latest members, who have joined the NGIV and our growing community of horticultural businesses. We look forward to helping you build your business through a long and fruitful relationship.

Atterro Plants (Production)

Wholesale propagation nursery located in Bellarine, Victoria. Specialising in premium hedging plants atterroplants.com.au

Bardee (Production/Retail)

Bardee are on a mission to reshape the global food system by creating high-impact, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives to major agricultural inputs like fertiliser and protein. Harnessing the natural power of black soldier fly larvae to upcycle nutrients from wasted food, they've built a world-class vertical farming system in Melbourne capable of processing 10 tonnes of food waste every 8 hours. bardee.com

Biolink 4 Plants and Animals (Production/Retail)

Biolink 4 Plants is a family-owned, Australian agricultural company. Their aim is to help farmers become more sustainable and profitable and to help home-gardeners grow their own nutritious food. Their natural, organic plant fertilisers and microbial soil stimulants promote abundant plant growth. They help support the efficiency of Australian farms by speeding up the composting process and help the home gardener create a healthy soil environment for their garden. biolink4plants.com.au

Wild Rose Nursery (Production)

Wholesale Rose nursery growing two-year-old plants on quality rootstock. Specialising in heritage, species, rugosa and rare varieties, they offer new releases, corporate roses, and David Austins. wildrosenursery.com.au

Pearson's Nursery (Retail)

Pearson’s nursery encompasses an indoor plant store as well as a wholesale nursery, family owned and operated. They have an extensive range of plants, both indoor and outdoor, while offering garden design consults. pearsonsnursery.com.au

WinterGardenz Greenhouses Australia (Allied)

Family-owned business, WinterGardenz has been manufacturing greenhouses to supply gardening enthusiasts and commercial growers for over a decade and a half. wintergardenz.com.au

As Victoria’s peak industry body, we are committed to helping our member businesses and the State’s horticulture industry to grow. Becoming a member of the NGIV is simple.

As a full member you’ll have access to many benefits, here are just a few:

• Networking – Learn and connect with the best, our members are the country’s leading professional horticultural businesses.

• Promotion – Let us promote your business and our industry, we’ve got the communication channels and the audience to do it; whether it’s our monthly industry magazine , our weekly e-newsletter with an engaged audience of over 4,500 industry professionals or our social media channels that speak to the consumer.

• Advocacy – We regularly engage with Government to represent your interests, and that of our industry, educating them on issues including COVID-19, biosecurity, employment, water security, climate change and many more.

• Trade Days – Whether you’re a retailer or a grower, whether you want to trade or network; experience the largest regular gathering of horticultural businesses in Australia.

• Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) – As the owner and operator of MIFGS we welcome your participation in Australia’s largest consumer marketing horticultural platform and offer a significant saving on exhibiting.

• Technical Advice and Education – Your NGIV membership is a gateway to discounted industry training, support from our knowledgeable team and a wealth of member only online resources.

• On-Site Visits – We look forward to visiting you, to learn more about your business and how we can help to grow it.

• Free Professional Support – You’ll receive complimentary access to industrial relations, legal, business, marketing, accountancy and insurance advice, from expert professionals.

Trade Day report

By Nan Cleven

NGIV’s April and May Trade Days at KCC Park attracted a full house of enthusiastic standholders and eager buyers. The picturesque Autumn weather provided the perfect backdrop for retailers who were keen to stock up for the bustling Easter break and the lead-up to Anzac Day.

Along with the traditional vibrant Autumn colours of this beautiful time of year, May Trade Day embraced the “Think Pink” theme, which celebrated Mother’s Day and supported the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). The event witnessed a wonderful show of solidarity, with participants embracing the theme and contributing to the cause. Through raffles and generous donations, over $300 was raised for the BCNA.

« Billie Hicken from April sponsor JFT Nurseries let rip with the bell to announce the beginning of trading.

« Easter Cheer – Kim Whitten from Top Ten Trees getting right into the moment, spreading some chocolates and smiles with Reece from Monbulk Rose Tree and Shrub Farm, and Dan White from Merrywood.

« Fond Farewell – one of our most popular (and talkative!) traders, Mimo from Habitat 101, at his final Trade Day, with farewell hugs from Karen and Tayla from Ausflora ladies.

Marc from Arborgreen presented a raffle prize to Sarah from Ausflora.

Mitch from Mojay presented a raffle prize to Brendan from Coolwyn’s.

Humphris adding splash of pink to their fully stocked display.

« Many thanks to Mitch from Mojay Pots for generous donation of pots for the Mother’s Day raffle.

« Nothing says Mother’s Day like Chrysanthemums’ – and none more so than on the Wright’s Nursery stand – a virtual ‘sea’ of beautiful disbuds on display. Complemented by massed colour of their stunning cyclamens.

« Jen and Julie from Norwood looking lovely with their pink-themed Mother’s Day table

« Ralph and Violeta from Berwick Flowers – fully loaded trolleys of potted colour, excitedly setting up for a busy Mother’s Day ahead.

« Feingold Flowers – stunning display of their Orchid gift lines.

Our Coffee Cart ‘Sponsors for the month’ for May were Bronze Industry Partners Arborgreen. Sounding the bell for the start of trade – Bruce Durant of Arborgreen – very bemused by the early morning frantic rush of buyers.

Interview with NextGen STEPHANIE SPENCE

Plantmark

Where do you work and what is your role?

I work at Plantmark Wantirna as Assistant Manager in the Market. I help with making sure the Market runs smoothly, the customers find what they need and that our stock is looking nice and full!

How long have you worked there and how has your role progressed in that time?

I have worked at Plantmark for 3 years, starting as a General Nursery Hand and diving into the world of horticulture. I have learnt lots about the plants and the industry, and now have progressed to Assistant Manager in the past 4 months.

What/or who inspired you to choose horticulture?

I grew up in a family that was very involved in the garden and this passed along to me. I remember my childhood being outside in the garden digging up potatoes or picking veggies. I also love working outside and this began after living in my van whilst working/travelling in Canada through all types of weather and terrain. When I came home, I knew I would need to work outdoors.

What do you enjoy most about working in horticulture?

I love working in such an amazing community of people with such a passion about what they do! Horticulture is always so interesting and there is always something more to learn. But the people that come through the Market and who I work with, make working in horticulture really interesting and fun.

What are your achievements and ambitions within the industry??

Some achievements are completing my Certificate III in Horticulture and being awarded the Encouraging Women in Horticulture (EWHA) Apprenticeship Grant! I just want to gain as much knowledge as I can and get more involved with events around horticulture.

Who has inspired you on your journey?

I get inspired by the people around me every day when talking about plants, design, landscaping, and production.

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day is never the same, but my role mostly involves putting stock down, ordering stock, helping customers and suppliers, checking irrigation systems, weed and pest management, and training staff.

Why should more young people choose horticulture as a career?

There are so many possibilities within horticulture and so many employment pathways to choose from. Anyone could find their own career path for what they need and enjoy. There’s never a dull day, the people are happy and friendly, and there’s never ending work to do.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received on your journey?

Not exactly career advice but, just the saying: “Find the job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Are you/have you studied a horticultural course?

Yes, I studied at Swinburne University at Wantirna. Great course and teachers!

Tell us a bit about you; what you enjoy doing outside of work?

I can’t sit still, so I need to always be doing something. It could be anything from walking the dog to playing my guitar. But I change my hobbies a lot depending on what I feel at the time. I like travelling, so going to new places is always great and I love going to gigs and concerts.

Stephanie was the recipient of the EncouragingWomen in Horticulture Australia (EWHA) Apprenticeship Grant for 2022. Applications are now open for EWHA’s grants and scholarships and will close on 30 June 2023. For more information, visit www.ewha.com.au.

Established in 1987, Plantmark has proudly supplied quality plants and trees to the landscape, development, government and retail nursery industries for over 35 years.

In addition to Plantmark’s two large scale production nurseries, they are also backed by a national network of reputable growers. From tube stock to super advanced trees, they offer a large range whilst maintaining the highest quality standards and competitive prices.

PRICE UPDATE

Decreased by $152 per tonne (7.75 cents per litre) Prices effective 1st July 2023 (inc GST)