By Carmen Weiss
Two young horticulturists, two very different journeys, and one shared opportunity that shaped their impact on the industry. Through the Global Footprints Scholarship, Olivia Williams and Charlotte O’Leary stepped beyond their everyday nursery environments and into completely new horticultural contexts.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Gabrielle Stannus
Recent promotions and position changes at Oasis Horticulture’s Springwood production facility have seen women step into key roles across the operation, with almost two-thirds of management and supervisory positions now held by female team members. I spoke with two of those women to find out how Oasis is fostering diverse and inclusive leadership amongst its horticultural workforce.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Corban
Since 2009, Phil Antcliff and Jack Hayes have operated Fifth Season Landscapes, a multi-award-winning residential landscape design, construction and maintenance business based on Sydney’s North Shore. In a recent online discussion with my coaching clients, Phil and Jack generously answered questions about how they have built and sustained their business.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Russell Larke
Public landscapes offer much more than visual beauty; they play a critical role in shaping how people experience and connect with place. They can tell stories, preserve culture, celebrate biodiversity and encourage people to think differently about the country they live on.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
We invest in tools, materials and vehicles for our work designing and constructing gardens, and in other horticultural businesses. However, are we investing enough time and effort in ourselves; in our health, our knowledge and understanding, our creativity?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
19-year-old Pearl Bridge is the 2025 recipient of the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) Student of the Year Award sponsored by the AIH Fellows. Pearl is from the Northern Rivers of NSW and was nominated for this award by her Certificate III in Horticulture teacher, Hugh Monk from TAFE Wollongbar.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy 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
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