Best green thumbs

By Nicole Williams
Narre Warren nurseries, Speciality Trees was named the Best Medium Production Nursery in Victoria and Warner’s Nurseries was awarded Best Large Production Nursery in Victoria, both for the second consecutive year.
Greenhills Propagation Nursery in Tynong also took home the award for Best Environmental (Production).
Speciality Trees was honoured by the win in spite of a hailstorm that wiped out 80 per cent of their stock in March this year.
“To come back from that devastation and adversity to win back-to-back awards is amazing and a huge morale boost,” Speciality Trees managing director Hamish Mitchell said.
CEO of Nursery and Garden Industry Australia Robert Prince, said judges were impressed by the nursery’s adversity and response to the challenge.
“To maintain visibility and cash flow during such a difficult period, especially for a wholesaler, was a major accomplishment,” Mr Prince said.
Mr Mitchell said staff showed great commitment during the storm, responding to the call and spending hours protecting stock and unblocking drains.
“It’s been a tough year for us,” marketing manager Lee-Ann Officer said.
Warner’s Nurseries was also affected by the hailstorm and director Michael Warner was proud of the passion and commitment staff had shown.
“The hailstorm in March was our big challenge this year, testing our communications, stock supply and staff training,” Mr Warner said.
“This award is a great encouragement to us and it’s such an honour to be rewarded and recognised by our peers.”
The Nursery and Garden Industry Awards recognise and reward excellence within the nursery and garden industry.