PROFILE: SOUTHERN PLANTS
A green legacy: The evolution of Southern Plants By James Nicklen Situated on an orderly and carefully managed 92-acre property in Dromana, Victoria, Southern Plants has blossomed over the decades into a thriving world-class horticultural enterprise with a rich history, an innovative present and a promising future. Mark Jackson is now at the helm of this journey and has a unique insight into the past, present and aspirations of the business that started as a family venture and has grown into an important legacy. Tracing the roots: A family farm The Jackson Family’s nursery background stretches back to the 1940s, when Ralph Jackson (Mark’s Grandfather) worked at Alsop’s Nursery in Camberwell. After returning from World War II in 1946, he and his wife Lorna leased an existing nursery site in Springvale.
“The business evolved from growing seedlings inground and lifting them to be sold wrapped in newspaper, then in wooden trays. Later, it was growing plants in jam tins before eventually growing in plastic pots,” recalls Mark, reminiscing about the early transformative stages the nursery underwent. It was during this period that the Jacksons laid the foundation for a culture of excellence and quality, focusing on providing the best plants for customers. From its humble beginnings, the nursery shifted locations, moving from Springvale to Dingley in 1960, expanding its scope and offerings to also sell to the public on weekends. As the years passed, Ralph’s son, Bryan Jackson, took the reins and embraced the challenge of building upon his father’s legacy. The business moved to Springvale Road in 1978 and changed its name to Gardenworld. Soon after, Bryan recognised an opportunity, and Gardenworld became a fully-fledged garden centre with complementary tenant businesses and became an inaugural member of the Plants Plus co-op.
Above: Bryan Jackson moving an advanced plant at Keysborough site (1982). Top: Mark Jackson at Southern Plants’ Dromana site.
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GROUNDSWELL OCTOBER 2023
Working seven days a week and with his family living on site, the nursery was Bryan’s passion. His vison saw the business continuing to strengthen its offering and the opportunity for a standalone wholesale nursery to supply not only Gardenworld but the broader industry. This journey led to the establishment of Southern Advanced Plants next to Gardenworld, but within a few years it outgrew the site, leading to the purchase of the
