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Our process

We only sell what we collect and grow

At Otways Indigenous Nursery all our plants are grown from seed and cuttings collected locally between Torquay to Cape Otway. We go to great lengths to be able to collect, propagate and grow the plants that we have available for sale and every step of the process is conducted by our trained, knowledgeable and experienced staff.

Every plant has a story

Every plant has a story. And in our case, that story begins in our local natural environment. With one eye on the nursery and the other on the bush, you wouldn’t believe the lengths we go to in order to collect, propagate and grow the plants we have available for sale.

From scaling sand dunes to dodging tiger snakes, juggling the wind and weather and whatever else mother nature has in store, the journeys our plants take are all special and unique, and let’s just say that sometimes we might need to wash our hands thoroughly before we have smoko if we’ve been out seed collecting!

Specialised knowledge

While our process of collection and propagation presents challenges, it highlights the specialised nature of what we do and the depth of our knowledge, understanding and connection to our local environment. The plants that we grow and their origin differs greatly from many of the plants now found in most other nurseries and we’re proud of what we do, how we do it and why we do it.

Collection and propagation

We believe it is important to understand that of the 150 plus species of ground covers, grasses, lilies, trees and shrubs that we grow, some species are easier to collect and propagate than others, and our prices must reflect these variables.

For example, some species require special treatments, or have a dormancy period before germination, while others are very slow growing and take much longer to be ready to sell. Seasonal and environmental factors can also affect our stocks and what we are able to collect and grow. There’s no ducking down to the wholesaler or supplier for us – we only sell what we grow. That said, in recent years we’ve systemised our propagation and production processes and are now able to supply plants year round.

Feel free to download our growing list or get in touch with an enquiry if you’d like more information or would like to place an order.

Dear Nick and the dedicated team at Otways Indigenous Nursery,

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your unwavering commitment to providing our community with locally sourced indigenous plants, perfectly suited to our unique surroundings. Your passion for preserving our environment while sustaining a thriving business is truly commendable.

The Ocean Road Landscaping team continually encourages landscapers, gardeners, and homeowners alike to experience the exceptional offerings available at Otways Indigenous Nursery. Your dedication to nurturing these plants ensures that our gardens, and indeed our entire landscape, continue to thrive with vitality by planting endemic locally sourced plants.

We understand that your work requires both time and patience to offer the range you offer, especially within the constraints of commercial operations. Your dedication to your craft is evident, and we are grateful for the beauty and sustainability you bring to our gardening and local community.

Thank you for offering such important and helpful information to your customers. This alone has shown just how seriously you take the work of sourcing, propagating, and providing quality local plants and advice to our unique area.

Warm regards,

Peter Shaw and the team at Ocean Road Landscaping

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors;
we borrow it from our children