I am writing to let you know that Hort Journal Australia will cease publication after the June 2026 issue.
This has not been an easy decision. A combination of factors has made it increasingly difficult to continue. In particular, the late effects of polio are now significantly affecting my ability to travel, attend industry events, and maintain the connections that have always been so important to the magazine.… Continue reading
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Gabe Mostafa (left) witnessing Gary Smith being taken into hand during the International Plant Propagators Society (IPPS) conference dinner held in the old Fremantle Prison (Image: Karen Smith)
By Karen Smith
Honouring the magazine that served the industry for almost two decades.
When I heard Hort Journal Australia was closing, I felt deeply saddened. Alongside Gabe Mostafa and John Fitzsimmons, the magazine had been a big part of my life since its beginning in July 2008.… Continue reading
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Hydroponic nutrient supplies will be impacted by both the Middle East conflicts and restrictions on Chinese exports
By John Fitzsimmons
Amid continuing instability in parts of the Middle East, energy and supply lines for key greenlife production inputs are currently in a state of disruption. What challenges does this bring now and into the foreseeable future for our industry?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Jennifer McQueen
What keeps women in greenlife? It is not just plants. It is purpose, flexibility, shared knowledge and the quiet strength of community. In this International Women’s Day reflection, women from across Australia share how they found their way into the industry, and why, despite the challenges, they choose to stay.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Emily Rice
The ‘Stronger Together’ Greenlife Industry National Conference was recently held in Brisbane, Australia. Hort Journal was the event’s media partner.
The first national conference in five years brought together retailers, production nurseries, allied trades, and horticultural and education services to explore the latest in tech, industry data, marketing, business tools, and more.… Continue reading
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GIG’s own Leigh Siebler was recognised by his peers for his three decades of service to the GIG project and five decades of involvement in the horticulture sector
By John Fitzsimmons
2025 has marked a watershed year for the Garden Inspirations Group (GIG) with even more sponsor-partners, record attendance in Melbourne by garden centre owners and staff from across Victoria, as well as visitors from NSW, South Australia and Western Australia, and a milestone 30th birthday.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Karen Smith
The stench of Amorphophallus titanum (corpse flower) attracted more than just a few carrion beetles for pollination – crowds in the thousands queued for hours, even days, to witness the rare bloom of this endangered plant. So how did botanic gardens across the country manage to attract such massive audiences to see (and smell) something often described as a mix of rotting flesh and sweaty socks?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Lisa Wightwick
The International Plant Producers Society* (IPPS) recently held a regional event hosted by Jane and Gary Barfoot, founders of Peninsula Growers wholesale propagation nursery at their site on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. The event coincided with NGIV’s Australian Horticultural Trials Week, in which Peninsula Growers also participated.… Continue reading
Read MoreWater scientists from Australia and China have proposed a more effective method of removing organic pesticides from drinking water, reducing the risk of contamination and potential health problems.
A 62% rise in global pesticide use in the past 20 years has escalated fears that many of these chemicals could end up in our waterways, causing cancer.… Continue reading
Read MoreGreenlife Industry Australia (GIA) welcomes the announcement of a new Senate Inquiry into big box retailers, including Bunnings. This Inquiry, initiated by National Party Senator Ross Cadell, was one of the recommendations made by the Senate Supermarket Inquiry earlier this year.… Continue reading
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