About Plantex Nursery
Established in 1989
Wholesale Production Nursery in Clyde, South East Melbourne Victoria
About The Nursery
Plantex Nursery is a wholesale production nursery located in Clyde, South East Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 1989, we have supplied retail nurseries, landscapers, councils and event organisers across Australia for more than 37 years.
We supply through wholesale plant delivery, our trade market stands and contract plant growing.
35 Years of Growing Colour
Plantex Nursery celebrated its 35th anniversary 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.
The Beginning
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 parents’ family home in Narre Warren North, James started Plantex Nursery.
After realising 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.
Building the Nursery in Clyde
In 1991, James purchased a 5-acre vacant block of land in Clyde, South East Melbourne, Victoria. 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 that 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.
Overcoming Challenges
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 its growing techniques.
Supplying Australia’s Major Events
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.
A bright future for Plantex nursery
Plantex has continued to encourage young people into the industry, offering apprenticeships to become qualified nurserymen just as James did all those years ago. Two of these employees remain in the business today. One of whom is Patrick Jarvis, who is a great example. Patrick started at Plantex on Saturday mornings while still in high school. Finishing his apprenticeship, obtaining his truck licence and working closely with James, who has continued to guide Patrick into his current role as nursery manager.
Today, the business employs 14 staff, a fleet of 3 trucks, 2 vans, 19 growing structures, potting and dispatch sheds with loading dock facilities, over 2 acres of outdoor growing area and a 5 megalitre dam. James’ hard work and dedication are a credit to him and the business he has created. The future looks bright for Plantex Nursery because they know colour!!
Meet the people who grow and deliver it, or read our seasonal growing updates and why we grow F1 hybrid seedlings.
As featured by MYOB. In November 2024, MYOB visited Clyde and filmed a customer story about the nursery — James on starting out at his parents’ Narre Warren North property in 1989, and how the business is run today. You can read MYOB’s customer story on Plantex Nursery.
Mission Statement
Plantex Nursery is a wholesale production nursery located in Clyde, South East Melbourne, Victoria. Since 1989, we have been committed to providing quality plants and exceptional service to retail nurseries, landscapers, councils and event organisers across Australia.
As a proud member of the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV), we are dedicated to delivering quality products, reliable service and outstanding value. We aim to be a trusted partner to our customers by supplying healthy, high-quality plants at competitive prices and supporting them with professionalism and personalised service.
Our modern growing facilities and experienced team use advanced production techniques to cultivate a diverse range of potted colour, shrubs, groundcovers, herbs and vegetable seedlings. By anticipating the changing needs of our customers and continually improving our growing practices, we strive to deliver the quality, consistency and reliability that have defined Plantex Nursery for more than 37 years.
