Plantex Nursery established in 1989

Plantex Nursery celebrated its 35th year milestone in October 2024. James and Nicole shared the momentous occasion with staff, family and friends during a beautiful lunch and relaxing afternoon at Carlei Estate Winery in Upper Beaconsfield.

 James Barr joined the nursery industry in 1981 as an apprentice with F.G Wood & Son in Heatherton, completing the last 6 months of his apprenticeship at Necropolis Crematorium in Springvale. On completion of his apprenticeship, he joined the family business Arrow Engraving and Foundry Co making memorial plaques. In 1989, from his parent’s family home in Narre Warren North, James started Plantex Nursery. 

After realizing this was not just a business but a lifestyle and one that he thrived on, Selling his beloved 4WD to purchase a van so he could deliver his plants was an easy choice and one that proved to be fruitful. James recalls the first time he went on the road in October 1989 he sold $120! In the beginning, there were so many things to grow and only so much room, so after 12 months he decided to concentrate on annuals.

In 1991 James purchased a 5-acre vacant block of land in Clyde and the first thing he built was an igloo! Growing structures took priority however in 1993 the house was complete and he was able to move in. In 1995 James and Nicole were married and she then joined the business.

The business grew rapidly in those first 10 years. It became obvious the original 1 megalitre dam was not big enough and more growing space was required, so it was filled in and a 5 megalitre dam was built in the rear section of the property.

The nursery has changed so much from when it started, times were different then.  James remembers getting loads of potting mix delivered and filling the pots from the floor by hand! A far cry from the automatic potting machine the staff uses today.

As any small business would know there are always tough times and none more so than the Level 3 water restrictions in the late 2000s. Severe frosts and heatwaves and the damage they cause to stock are other aspects of the business that prove challenging. It was obvious the need to diversify and go back to the beginning. The decision to add perennials, general shrub lines and the amazing Big Red geranium was a game changer. This allowed Plantex to continue to grow and with technology improve their growing techniques.

Over the years gardening trends have changed and will continue to do so. However, a continual love of instant colour has always remained. Plantex has over the past 20 years supplied and continues to supply many major events – Formula One Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival, Australian Open Tennis and many more. Landscapers always turn to Plantex for colourful displays and plantings for their high-end customers.