7 minute read
Success through commitment and dedication: Grandview Monbulk
By James Nicklen
In the lush, rolling hills of Monbulk, Victoria, lies a horticultural haven that has stood the test of time – Grandview Monbulk. With a history stretching back to 1900, this family-owned nursery is a thriving business built upon a commitment to quality and trustworthiness. Purchased and reimagined in 1985 by Dave and Linda Sands, the nursery and its team are dedicated to growing quality plants and delivering them to customers.
A glimpse into the business
Grandview Monbulk spans two properties – the Invermay Road site, covering 10 acres, and the Moxhams Road property, spanning approximately 7 acres. Each property plays a unique role in the nursery's operations. The Invermay Road site primarily serves as the hub for propagating and small plant growth, while Moxhams Road handles the bulk of the growing, dispatching and order pickups.
Dave explains, “As stock becomes ready, it goes down to the Moxhams property to be collated and prepared for dispatch.” This strategic arrangement allows the nursery to efficiently manage its operations and ensure the timely delivery of quality plants to its customers.
A rich history
Grandview Monbulk’s story begins in 1900 when the property was first purchased by Dave’s great-grandfather, who lived in a bark hut on site, growing berries and other produce with his young family. They named the property ‘Grandview’ for its spectacular 180-degree views. Over the years, the property was passed down through the generations, witnessing the transitions from carrot farming to chestnut tree growing, before evolving into the nursery it is today. Dave and Linda purchased the property from Dave’s parents and started the nursery full-time in 1985.
The nursery’s product range is diverse and dynamic, with a focus on 14-, 18- and 20-centimetre pots. They produce a wide range of low growing shrubs including natives, Ozbreed lines and Wisterias, catering to both retail customers and the landscape industry. They see the importance of maintaining a balance in their product offerings, striving to keep the list fresh and evolving.
Dave’s passion lies in the production side of the business. In some ways, his philosophy is quite simple: “If you grow a good plant, then that’s half the job done or more to selling it.” Grandview Monbulk is renowned for the quality of its plants, and Dave, Linda and their team continuously strive for excellence. Their attention to detail is evident in their pest management efforts. In recent years, Grandview Monbulk has also ventured into Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with younger team members leading the charge. The nursery has reduced its reliance on chemical sprays and embraced a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest control.
Indeed, sustainability remains an important aspect of Grandview Monbulk’s ethos. The nursery has invested in solar panels, generators, and energy-efficient technologies to reduce its environmental footprint, partly funded through government grants. They’ve also implemented recycling programs for plastics and green waste.
Exploring exciting new varieties
Grandview Monbulk is currently focusing on expanding its product range, with excitement surrounding clivias and wisterias
Dave and the team have been diligently working on cultivating a brilliant collection of clivias over the past few years. Drawing on a fellow local breeder's expertise, they are expecting new clivia varieties in exciting colours to emerge from their efforts. They are aiming to present them to customers in larger pot sizes, once they have matured and burst with beautiful blooms.
The decision to focus on clivias is part of Grandview Monbulk’s broader strategy to continue diversifying their product range and meeting the evolving demands of their customers. While they have been growing clivias for about a decade, their recent efforts to bulk up the numbers and collaborate with expert breeders demonstrates their dedication to staying at the forefront of the nursery industry. With their strong focus on quality and customer satisfaction, it’s safe to say that the introduction of these new clivia colours in larger pot sizes will be met with excitement from both loyal customers and newcomers to the nursery.
Wisterias, another classic favourite, are also being cultivated in larger pots, making them ready for sale with flower buds. “We have been working on our wisteria range and we’ve been bulking that up in the last few years,” Dave says. “We’ve got a few older cultivars that haven’t been widely available in the industry, and I think they’re exciting. Over the next few years, we’re planning to get them up into larger pots and sell them in spring showing flower buds.”
A dedicated team
What sets Grandview Monbulk apart is not only its stunning array of plant varieties but also its unwavering commitment to quality and delivering their best possible product. The nursery takes great pride in its team of staff, some of whom have been with the business for decades.
One of their key team members is Ted, who has been a face of Grandview Monbulk at Trade Day and has an impressive 40-year history in the nursery industry, 14 of those years being spent at Grandview. Ted’s daughter, Kelly, has now also been with the nursery for seven years and excels at managing dispatch operations.
Another integral part of Grandview Monbulk is mother and daughter dynamic duo Nan and Jodie, on the propagation team They have possessed an unwavering work ethic and loyalty to the business for over 20 years each.
Dave and Linda emphasise the importance of a well-rounded experience for the nursery’s younger staff members, allowing them to rotate through various roles, from production to dispatch to propagating. This approach ensures that each team member gains a well-rounded understanding of the nursery operations, fostering personal and professional growth and ensuring a resilient and versatile workforce.
Both Dave and Linda are very appreciative of all their loyal staff and the fantastic work that they do.
Planning for success
The future of Grandview Monbulk looks promising, with Dave and Linda’s son, Tom, taking an active role in the business. Tom’s apprenticeship and hands-on experience have positioned him as an asset to the nursery’s future. Dave and Linda gave Tom the freedom to explore other career paths and were careful not to place any pressure on him; however, Linda admits that Dave might have been, “secretly hoping that one of the boys would follow in his footsteps.”
Dave and Linda recognise the importance of passing on the knowledge and values that have made Grandview Monbulk successful over the years. While Dave remains deeply involved in the production side, he is also committed to looking ahead and ensuring a smooth transition of knowledge and responsibilities. By actively involving Tom and other younger staff, Dave and Linda are not only securing the future of the business but also instilling a strong sense of family tradition and horticultural expertise while ensuring that a robust and knowledgeable workforce that can carry the business forward
In addition to preparing the next generation for leadership roles, Grandview Monbulk’s succession planning extends to their relationships with customers and the wider community as they maintain strong connections with their loyal clientele. By maintaining this trust and loyalty, they are not only securing ongoing support but also setting the stage for a successful handover of the business when the time comes. This approach not only reflects their dedication to the nursery but also their commitment to the people who have made their success possible.
It’s clear that Grandview Monbulk’s success is not just about growing plants; it’s about nurturing a vibrant team, adapting to change, and maintaining high standards of quality, commitment, and dedication.
