By Patrick Regnault
We want our workforce to be capable, skilled and knowledgeable. However, recent technological advances may result in fundamental horticultural skills being lost as we rely heavily on technology to do our jobs. Are we at risk of ‘deskilling’ our industry in the name of progress?… Continue reading
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Left to right, BBM Chair Marco Colli, 2025 Horticulture Scholar Jaimee Abrahams from NSW, and BBM CEO Suellen McCaffrey (Image: BBM)
The Global Footprints Scholarships program celebrated its centenary year on 22 September 2025 at Botanic House Sydney, honouring 25 talented young people in agriculture, horticulture and vocational trades. The scholarships, which focus on sustainability and practical leadership, provide scholars with the opportunity to gain international experience and broaden their knowledge in their chosen fields.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Jennifer McQueen
The nursery industry, like the world around it, is changing fast. Businesses face thorny challenges, from biosecurity incursions and climate impacts to politics, shifting markets and new technologies. At the same time, staff expectations are shifting. People want to learn, grow and take on responsibility.… Continue reading
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With young children, the team focuses on the future – how their work can shape communities and foster connections to nature
By Jennifer McQueen
Urban Tree Growers in Gippsland is a small nursery with big ambitions. When one of their longest-serving team members was preparing to retire, owners Beth and Chris Dunne knew they needed stronger systems to keep the nursery on track.… Continue reading
Read MoreMore than 500 plants, propagated by horticulture students at TAFE NSW Padstow, have been donated to the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s Community Greening program. This long-running initiative, a 25-year partnership between the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Homes NSW, supports public housing residents and community groups across New South Wales to create and maintain green spaces that promote sustainability, education and wellbeing.… Continue reading
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Frazer Thorp (Plants for Space) engaging with Growing Beyond Earth students at an immersion experience at La Trobe University
By Sally Fierenzi and Megan Hirst
Horticulture is the art and science of cultivating plants, encompassing everything from growing food crops and conserving rare species, to producing ornamental plants for amenity usage. There are various techniques and practices to grow and maintain plants, including soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilisation, and pest control.… Continue reading
Read MoreApplications for the 2025 Global Footprints Scholarships (GFS) are opening soon. These scholarships offer life-changing opportunities for the young people in your network.
Global Footprints Scholarships allow young people to travel overseas for industry experience and to learn about sustainability in their field.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Are you looking for a way to start your horticulture career, or know someone who is? Finding that first job in the industry can be tricky; many desirable roles require industry experience, but how does one get that experience in the first place?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Three months ago, my wife Kirstie and I had our first child, a beautiful baby boy named Jack. As any new parent will tell you, these early weeks are a profound mix of sleepless nights, heart-expanding love, and a complete redefinition of what “exhausted” truly means.… Continue reading
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Designer Christian Jenkin's dream became a reality at the Melbourne International Flower Show 2024 (Image: Karen Smith)
By Daniel Fuller
Landscape architects and designers are the dreamers of our industry. They are afforded the luxury to find inspiration and the creative talent to visualise a concept while the rest of us run around like headless chooks with one eye on the clock.… Continue reading
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