Welcome to Southern Plants
Our Story: Rooted in Tradition, Growing Towards Sustainability
For over 75 years, Southern Plants has been more than just a nursery; we’ve been cultivators of Australia’s natural heritage and pioneers of sustainable horticulture. Our journey began three generations ago on a modest family plot, driven by a passion for Australia’s unique flora. Today, that same passion flourishes across our 92-acre nursery, where we specialize in native and drought-tolerant plants that embody the resilience and beauty of our land.
A Legacy of Growth and Adaptation
Our story is one of continuous evolution, mirroring the very plants we nurture. In 1985, facing a severe drought that tested the limits of traditional horticulture, our second-generation leaders made a pivotal decision. They chose to specialize in drought-tolerant plants, setting the foundation for our eco-friendly approach that defines us today. This decision not only ensured our survival but positioned us at the forefront of sustainable gardening in Australia.
As climate challenges intensified, so did our commitment to innovation. We’ve expanded our reach across multiple states, not just in land but in impact. Our growth has always been guided by a simple yet powerful principle: what’s good for the environment is good for our customers and our business.
Our Values: Sustainability at Our Core
At Southern Plants, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the bedrock of our operations and the heart of our mission. We believe that every plant we grow and every product we offer should contribute to a healthier planet. This belief drives us to constantly innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable horticulture.
Pioneering Eco-Friendly Practices
Our commitment to sustainability has earned us recognition as industry leaders. In 2024, we were honored with two prestigious awards:
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Sustainable Packaging Award: This accolade celebrates our groundbreaking approach to packaging. We’ve revolutionized our pots and labels, using 95% Australian recycled PP5 plastic and creating a fully recyclable unit - a first in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) Commitment to Environmental Stewardship Award: This recognition highlights our holistic approach to sustainability, from water conservation to chemical reduction
But for us, these awards are not endpoints; they’re milestones in our ongoing journey towards a greener future.
Our Sustainability Initiatives
- Renewable Energy: We’re on a mission to achieve 100% energy independence. Currently, nearly 50% of our electricity comes from solar power, and we’re expanding our solar and battery storage capabilities every year.
- Water Conservation: We’ve implemented innovative water-saving techniques and are constantly refining our potting mixes to reduce water usage without compromising plant health.
- Chemical Reduction: We’re actively minimizing chemical usage in our operations, opting for natural alternatives wherever possible.
- Electric Vehicle Transition: We’re gradually converting our fleet to electric vehicles, reducing our carbon footprint one car at a time.
- Closed-Loop Recycling: Our packaging isn’t just recyclable; it’s part of a closed-loop system. We encourage customers to return empty containers, which we then recycle, keeping them out of landfills.
Our Commitment to You
At Southern Plants, we’re not just selling plants; we’re partnering with you to create a more sustainable, beautiful Australia. Whether you’re a home gardener looking to create a water-wise oasis, a landscaper seeking sustainable solutions for large projects, or a garden center aiming to offer the best in native plants, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We invite you to join us in our mission. Together, we can cultivate gardens that not only thrive in our unique climate but also contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.
What Our Customers Say
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say:
“Southern Plants has made it so easy to know exactly what to plant in my garden. Their ‘Mighty Tuff’ range was perfect for our harsh climate, and the ‘Bloc It’ selection helped me create a beautiful privacy hedge effortlessly. It’s like they’ve taken the guesswork out of gardening!”
- S. T., Home Gardener
“As a landscaper, I’m thrilled with Southern Plants’ extensive assortment and availability. They consistently have the quantities I need for large-scale projects, which is crucial for my business. Their ability to supply big orders for major jobs has made them an invaluable partner in my work.”
- M. R., Professional Landscaper
“I can’t thank Southern Plants enough for the wealth of information on their website and product pages. As a gardening enthusiast always eager to learn, I’ve found their resources incredibly helpful. It’s not just about selling plants; they’re educating and empowering gardeners like me to make informed choices.”
- E. L., Gardening Enthusiast
“Running a garden center, I’ve worked with many suppliers, but Southern Plants stands out. Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with what our customers are demanding. The quality of their plants is consistently high, and their innovative packaging has actually helped us reduce waste in our operations. It’s a win-win partnership.”
- D. G., Garden Center Manager
Click the Video to see our commitment to Sustainability
Our Suppliers
At Southern Plants we seek to build long-term relationships with suppliers that share our values and that demonstrate their own commitment to sustainability, with responsible sourcing practices, acting fairly, ethically, safely and responsibly at all times
Wholesale Only
Sorry, we don't sell to General Public. Sales are Wholesale ONLY
You can find our plants in your nearest Bunnings Store in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, New South Whales and ACT
Or through good Retail Nurseries
Or via Landscapers.