Meet the Plantex Nursery Team
James Barr
Director
James has had a long and accomplished career in the horticulture 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 was not content to only learn from one source, and he chose to transfer to Necropolis Crematorium in Springvale to complete the final six months of his apprenticeship. 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 his own nursery, Plantex Nursery, which has since become well known for its exceptional quality and variety of plant offerings. James's decades of experience in the nursery industry have made him a valuable member of the horticultural community.
Nicole Barr
CFO/HR
Nicole has dedicated her entire professional career to the financial sector, spending countless years developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Beginning her journey with Venture Stores head office in Richmond, Selby, which was a division of the highly-regarded Faulding Pharmaceuticals. Nicole has spent years working for a variety of companies, including Henyl Properties, where she was able to cultivate her accounting and tax expertise. Not just stopping there, Nicole wanted to challenge herself even further, so she embarked on a career with H&R Block, spending an entire decade providing tax consulting services to diverse clientele. Her extensive experience and solid understanding of finance and taxation make her an invaluable asset to any organization she works for, which is why in 1995, she joined Plantex Nursery. Nicole's undeniable skills and expertise have enabled her to make significant contributions to the company, and she continues to be an integral part of its success.
Ashlee Barr
PA/Accounts Administrator
James and Nicole welcome Ashlee to the family business . Their eldest daughter, Ashlee, had been waiting for an opportunity to prove herself, and this was the perfect one. After completing her Bachelor of Business, Ashlee brought her knowledge of recruitment to the table, making her an asset to the team. Currently, she is also pursuing a course in Cert 4 Accounting and Bookkeeping to enhance her skills. Since joining the company in April 2022, Ashlee has been instrumental in digitalizing the business by integrating it on Evergreen connect. Her pleasant demeanor and excellent communication skills make her a valuable asset on the phone. Furthermore, she has been diligent in growing a social media presence for the company. Ashlee is also Nicole's right hand, assisting her in the office with various tasks, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Patrick Jarvis
Nursery Manager
Patrick's journey in the horticulture industry began when he was still a student at Casey Grammer in 2006, where he started as a junior nursery hand at Plantex Nursery. His love for plants and the great outdoors had sparked his interest in gardening at a young age, and it was no surprise that he quickly found his niche at the nursery. Although he left for a short period in 2008 to pursue a landscaping career, the call of the nursery was too strong to resist, and he eventually returned in 2009 to begin his apprenticeship.Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning, Patrick has steadily progressed through the ranks at Plantex, with the guidance of his mentor, James. James has been instrumental in grooming Patrick for his current role as Nursery Manager, a testament to the value of cultivating relationships between mentors and protégés in the workplace. With his experience and growing expertise, Patrick is poised to make a significant impact in the horticulture industry and beyond.
Jason Trevethan
Sales/IT Service Management
Jason Trevethan is a skilled IT service management professional with extensive experience in the production of herb and vegetable seedlings. He possesses strong technical skills and an in-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, including ITIL standards, agile methodologies, and project management techniques. With his analytical skills, he is able to identify inefficiencies in IT processes and develop effective solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.In addition to his expertise in IT service management, Jason has a passion for growing herb and vegetable seedlings. He has hands-on experience in all aspects of seedling production and is well-versed in the latest horticultural practices.Jason is a dedicated professional who is committed to delivering exceptional results in both IT service management and herb and vegetable seedling production.
Nathan Bennett
Sales/Horticulturist
Nathan Bennett is truly exceptional and talented, with a wealth of experience and expertise in horticulture. He is a passionate and dedicated professional, and his skills and knowledge in plant care are truly exceptional. Nathan's commitment to delivering the highest level of customer service is second to none, and his diligence and attention to detail are truly admirable. He is a team player who brings enthusiasm, positivity, and a can-do attitude to everything he does, and he is known for his ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients alike.
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.
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.
