Interview with NextGen ROSE COLLINS

Nishiki Nursery

Where do you work and what is your role?

I’m the General Manager at Nishiki Nursery. I make sure everything is running efficiently and help in each department ensuring we get the highest quality of plants out the door each day.

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

I’ve been at Nishiki for 2 years, I started working as a nursery hand in Dispatch then became 2IC before becoming Dispatch Manager in my first year. Over the last year I moved onto Office Manager and have recently taken on General Manager.

What do you enjoy most about working in horticulture?

The plants! I love being around trees all day and learning about new varieties and methods of growing. There’s always something to learn.

Who has inspired you on your journey?

Growing up in the UK, I didn’t know anything about the horticulture world. Coming to Australia I was so impressed seeing my mothers-in-law’s ‘Frankenstein’ fruit trees where she would graft multiple varieties as I’d never seen anything like that before. I got into the industry at an indoor plant wholesaler and very quickly my house became a jungle. I wanted to learn more about outdoors and found Nishiki. The owner, Steve Boekel, really got me inspired. He always has so much knowledge to share and really gets me excited about the plants we’re working with.

What is a typical day like for you?

I normally start my day in the office, but no day is ever the same. I do a bit of everything from office work, customer relations and social marketing to digging, pruning, and potting. I help in dispatch loading trucks and doing deliveries or aid in inventory management and training. I’m currently learning to graft too.

Why should more young people choose horticulture as a career?

It’s a great community, people are very supportive and happy to share knowledge. It’s wonderful to be in an industry that has so many opportunities and room for growth.

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

Do what you love and love what you do!

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

I’ve lived in Australia for seven years now, coming for a ‘holiday’ when I was 19 and never left. I love exploring and camping. Walks with my partner and pup. Going to gigs and seeing friends. I’m always busy, but I like it that way.