History of Treeplanters Nursery Pty Ltd

Treeplanters commenced business in October 1958 at Springvale Road, Springvale South and the Nursery still operates from this site today. The business has been in the Wilkie family since inception. Initially it was run by the late Alex Wilkie and his wife Joyce, together with their son, Bruce. In the early 1960s Alex accepted the position of Superintendent of Parks and Gardens with the City of Springvale and Bruce took over the running of the Nursery with Joyce.

The 1960s and 1970s were busy years for Bruce as the Nursery consolidated its position and Bruce also began to take an increasingly active part in NIAV affairs. This included local and interstate conferences, as well as exhibiting at Garden Week in its various locations. So closely did Bruce become associated with Garden Week that he became a committee member and eventually took on the role of Garden Week Chairman for five consecutive years during the 1970s.

Throughout all this, work went on at the Nursery. Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’ was discovered and marketed, and can now be seen all over Australia. The latest plant to be discovered is the Acacia cognata ‘Green Mist’, which is also available nationally.

The Nursery continues to operate from the same location 41 years on. The emphasis remains on the growing of native plants in forestry tubes and 15cm pots which are marketed extensively to both the wholesale and retail sectors. Bruce continues to oversee some operations however the family tradition will continue with Bruce’s children, Darryn and Jeannie. Jeannie has taken on an active role, whilst Darryn currently manages the Nursery with Bruce.