General News
23 July, 2026
Gardening a full-time job
WHAT began as a handful of native plants growing in a backyard has flourished into a thriving local business, with Inglewood Native Plants continuing to expand to meet growing demand from gardeners, landholders and revegetation projects across the region.
WHAT began as a handful of native plants growing in a backyard has flourished into a thriving local business, with Inglewood Native Plants continuing to expand to meet growing demand from gardeners, landholders and revegetation projects across the region.
Owner Katie Drummond-Gillett said the nursery was established about four years ago and has experienced significant growth, particularly since she made the decision to run the business full-time around a year ago.
“It started with just a few plants in the backyard and has gone from strength to strength,” Ms Drummond-Gillett said. “Since going full-time with the nursery, it’s been going very, very well.”
The nursery specialises in Australian native plants that are well suited to the harsh conditions of Central Victoria, producing plants capable of thriving through hot, dry summers and cold winters.
“The feedback we’ve received is that our plants are very resilient and ideally suited to Central Goldfields conditions,” she said.
Sustainability is at the heart of the nursery’s operation. Rather than relying on chemical sprays to control pests and diseases, Inglewood Native Plants encourages natural predators to maintain healthy plants.
“We don’t spray our plants. We use natural predators to help manage pests, which creates a healthier environment for both the plants and local wildlife,” Ms Drummond-Gillett said.
The nursery has become a regular fixture at Australian Plants Society sales and markets in Castlemaine, Woodend, St Arnaud, Maldon, Talbot and Deniliquin. This year, it will also have a major presence at the Elmore Field Days.
Ms Drummond-Gillett will also be attending the Victorian Beekeepers Association event in Harcourt, where she will share information about the importance of Australian native plants in supporting bees and other pollinators.
With demand continuing to increase, the nursery is expanding its facilities with the construction of three additional shade houses.
“We’re putting in another three shade houses, so people driving past will certainly notice the nursery getting bigger,” she said.
- ANDREW PERRYMAN
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