In this issue, we focus on the theme of professional development. Before helping your employees to develop themselves professionally though, I ask you to consider firstly what it was that inspired you to enter the horticultural industry? How might this knowledge better help you understand the reasons why people enter (and perhaps leave) this workforce? … 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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Aerial view of the Dry River Bed taken in 2022 showing significant dieback due to Armillaria (Image: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria)
By Tex Moon
Within the Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, the Dry River Bed precinct has undergone a remarkable transformation that redefines both the aesthetics and ecological function of native plant landscapes. Once dominated by dense woody shrubs, this 3,300m² curved and sunken space served as a structural and visual link between the Red Sand Garden and the Eucalypt Walk.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Kim Syrus
Many Australian growers have investigated alternative ways to produce field roses grown on their own roots. Unfortunately, the results of these ventures have, in the main, been less than successful. Aware that rose growers in both the United States and Europe have successfully transitioned portions of their crop to cutting-grown plants, I applied and was awarded a Hort Innovation Churchill Fellowship.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Tania Harman and Daniel Knox
Small and medium growers in Australia’s horticulture industry often invest in innovation. The R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) can refund a significant portion of these R&D costs (a 43.5 per cent refundable tax offset for eligible small companies), but to benefit, you must maintain strong records.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Corban
Setbacks are an inevitable part of a business. A challenge can feel discouraging when they happen unexpectedly. However, the ability to recover, learn, and stay motivated during tough times often separates resilient business owners from those that struggle.… 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 MoreBy Gabrielle Stannus
Who recalls the bruised knees and torn skin from the asphalt jungles of their childhood? I certainly do! That is why, despite having only designed a couple of play spaces myself (which are yet to be built!), I retain a keen interest in the works of others in this space.… Continue reading
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