Meet the Plantex Nursery Team
The Plantex Nursery team combines decades of horticultural experience and provides customers with professional service, expert growing advice and reliable plant supply throughout Victoria and Australia.
From production planning and contract growing to customer service and stock availability, our experienced team works together to ensure customers receive quality plants backed by professional knowledge and dependable service.
Based in Clyde, South East Melbourne, Plantex Nursery has been supplying retail nurseries, landscapers, councils and major events for more than 37 years. Furthermore, our team is committed to building long-term relationships and delivering outstanding customer service.
James Barr
Director
James has had a long and accomplished career in the horticultural industry. He began his journey in 1981 as an apprentice at F.G Wood & Son in Heatherton, where he learned the ins and outs of plant care and cultivation. However, James wanted to expand his knowledge and chose to complete the final six months of his apprenticeship at Necropolis Crematorium in Springvale.This move not only broadened his skill set but also introduced him to the world of memorial plaques when he joined his family's business, Arrow Engraving and Foundry Co. After several years with Arrow Engraving and Foundry Co., James returned to his true passion — plants. In 1989, he founded Plantex Nursery, which has since become well known for its exceptional quality and wide variety of plant offerings. Today, James' decades of horticultural experience continue to guide the nursery and support its long-standing reputation within the industry.
Nicole Barr
CFO/HR
Nicole has dedicated her professional career to the financial sector, developing extensive experience in accounting, taxation and business administration. Nicole began her career with Venture Stores Head Office in Richmond and Selby, a division of Faulding Pharmaceuticals. She later expanded her knowledge and expertise through a variety of accounting and finance roles, including Henley Properties. Seeking a new challenge, Nicole spent 10 years with H&R Block, providing taxation advice and consulting services to a diverse client base. As a result, she developed a strong understanding of finance, taxation and customer service. Since joining Plantex Nursery in 1995, Nicole has played an important role in the continued success of the business. Today, her experience, attention to detail and financial expertise remain invaluable to the company.
Ashlee Bennett
PA/Accounts Administrator
Ashlee joined Plantex Nursery in 2022 after completing a Bachelor of Business and has quickly become an important member of the family business. Since joining the team, Ashlee has helped modernise business processes, including integrating Plantex Nursery with EvergreenConnect. In addition, she has played a key role in developing the company's social media presence and supporting customer communications. Having completed a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, Ashlee works closely with the administration team, assisting with accounts, customer service and the day-to-day operation of the business. Today, Ashlee continues to contribute to the growth of Plantex Nursery through her strong organisational skills, attention to detail and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Patrick Jarvis
Nursery Manager
Patrick began his journey with Plantex Nursery in 2006 while still attending Casey Grammar, starting as a junior nursery hand. His passion for plants and the outdoors quickly developed into a career in horticulture. In 2008, Patrick briefly left the nursery to pursue landscaping. However, his passion for nursery production soon brought him back, and he returned in 2009 to begin his apprenticeship with Plantex Nursery. Through hard work, dedication and a commitment to learning, Patrick progressed through the business under the guidance of his mentor, James Barr. Today, as Nursery Manager, Patrick oversees production, quality and the day-to-day operation of the nursery. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Patrick continues to play a key role in the success and future growth of Plantex Nursery.
Jason Trevethan
Sales/IT Service Management
Jason has grown the herb and vegetable side of Plantex Nursery since 2020, and looks after retail nursery customers and the weekly Spec Trucks.He was behind the move to F1 hybrid varieties for the seedling range — the same genetics commercial growers use to supply supermarkets. The change was made quietly, but retailers rang to ask what had changed: seedlings were holding condition on the bench longer and were no longer being lost to disease. Those varieties now carry the F1 mark on the Plantex label.He instigates the new label ranges, which the team develops together, and manages IT service management for the business — the systems and shared libraries everyone works from, and the company website.
Nathan Bennett
Sales/Horticulturist
Nathan is a qualified horticulturalist with a strong passion for plant care and customer service. His knowledge of nursery production, plant health and growing practices makes him a valuable member of the Plantex Nursery team. Nathan is known for his attention to detail, strong work ethic and commitment to maintaining high standards throughout the nursery. In addition, he works closely with customers and colleagues to help ensure quality plants and reliable service are delivered every day. With a positive attitude and excellent communication skills, Nathan continues to play an important role in the ongoing success of Plantex Nursery.
Production Team
The Plantex Nursery production team worked carefully nurturing each seedling and ensuring that the conditions were ideal for optimal growth. Through careful monitoring and management, the team has produced a bountiful and beautiful crop of plants that are ready for sale. The group photo captures the spirit of teamwork and comradery that has driven the team’s success. Each member of the team contributed their unique skills and expertise to make this project a success. We are proud to showcase the hard work of this talented group and celebrate the fruits of their labour. Thank you to each team member for their dedication and commitment to excellence in plant production.
What the production team grows ends up on our Spec Trucks and trade market stands, or programmed months ahead as contract growing.
More on the family behind it in our story since 1989.
Dispatch Team
Meet the dispatch team at Plantex Nursery they are dedicated to ensuring that only the best quality plants and products leave the facility. They are responsible for carefully inspecting each plant to ensure it meets the high standards of the nursery before shipping to customers. This involves checking for any signs of damage, pests, or disease, and making sure that the plant is the correct species and size as ordered. The team works efficiently and accurately to ensure that orders are fulfilled promptly while maintaining the high level of quality that Plantex Nursery is known for. Their attention to detail and dedication to quality control help ensure that customers receive healthy and beautiful plants that will thrive in their gardens for years to come.
Dispatch handle the metro runs Tuesday to Thursday and the regional pickups — see how our week works.
