Tree & Shrub Growers Group

The Tree & Shrub Growers of Victoria is the largest sectional interest group of the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria. Over the last ten years the number of members has increased dramatically and the activities of the group expanded to include anything from visits at production and retail nurseries around the world to evening discussions and industry relevant updates.

The group now has 83 members, who are either Growers or Allied Traders. All members are also members of the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria. While the majority of the members are Growers, the inclusion of Allied Trade members allows for great networking opportunities.

The Tree & Shrub Growers of Victoria meet on the third Tuesday of each month. From November to April all meetings are held at member nurseries, with a tour of the facility preceding the meeting. These meetings normally have an attendance of 80 to 100 people. From May to October the meetings are held at an indoor venue with guest speakers taking the place of nursery tours.

Previous topics at these meetings have included:

• Trademarks
• Investment strategies
• Government versus opposition
• Farm dam irrigation
• PBR
• Industrial relations – workplace reform
• Workcover briefings
• Growers report
• Market reports

The activities of the group do not stop with the monthly meetings. Over the last years a number of exciting projects have seen members visit nurseries around the world and the launch of exciting promotions. Some of the latest activities include:

• A 3 day visit to NSW visiting both production and retail nurseries
• A 10 day tour to the North Island of New Zealand, visiting production and retail nurseries. This trip also included lectures at Palmerstone University.
• A 3 week tour of European Nurseries in 1998
• A 3 week tour of the West Coast of America (from Mexico to Vancouver) in 2000
• A European tour in 2003
• The group has participated in Garden Week, The Spring Garden Fairs and of course enters medal winning exhibits at all of the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Shows.

The group is currently chaired by Glenn Fenton of Nationwide Trees, with Cameron Grant of Competitive Link as his deputy.

To find the date and place for the next Tree & Shrub Growers meeting, see the Calendar.

For more information on the group and how to become a member, please do not hesitate to contact the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria’s Membership Services Manager Marjorie McLaine on (03) 9576 0599 or email mmclaine@ngiv.com.au.

Please note that only NGIV members can become members of the Tree & Shrub Growers of Victoria.