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Publications & Resources > Nursery Papers > Full Listing
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Issues
| 2008 Issues |
Upgrading an irrigation system can improve water uniformity and reduce your operating expenses
Irrigation is a critical aspect to the success of any business growing and/or maintaining plants. With increased scrutiny of water usage, typically increasing charges in water and a reduced availability, all businesses should consider assessing the efficiency of their irrigation system to improve their triple bottom line.
For many production nurseries the question is how to optimise production while reducing water use and doing this in an economic manner. This is the second part of a series of Nursery Papers on this topic. In this Nursery Paper Michael Danelon, Nursery & Garden Industry New South Wales & ACT NGINA Industry Development Officer IDO will identify the benefits of retrofitting an irrigation system in terms of the efficiencies gained to assist in justifying the return on investment to the business. (TNP 2008#10)
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Do soil moisture sensors have a role in containerised nursery production?
The focus on water use efficiencies has become more stringent recently and there is a call for all industries to be accountable for their water use, however the finger has definitely been pointed to the irrigation industries and outdoor water use. In response to a need to offer improved water use efficiency techniques and encourage adoption, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia NGIA has commissioned the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to undertake work in assisting adoption of innovative irrigation technologies.
In this Nursery Paper Michael Danelon, Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT NGINA Industry Development Officer IDO, explores the use of soil moisture sensors and the ability of these devices to be applied to soilless based containerised nursery production to appropriately monitor and schedule irrigation and hence optimise crop production whilst achieving water use efficiency.
(TNP 2008#09)
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Smart Approved WaterMark: Helping consumers make water-wise choices
Our latest research shows that consumers want to have sustainable gardens and are keen to use water-saving products to achieve them.
This Nursery Paper gives you all the information you need on Smart Approved WaterMark, Australia’s labeling scheme for products and services that help save water in the garden and around the home, from how it works and the types of products that are included, to how to apply for the Smart Approved WaterMark and promoting the label to consumers.
(TNP 2008#08)
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A taster of innovative technologies for the nursery & garden industry
Using innovative computer technologies creatively can provide a leading edge to your business, but currently how many in our industry can put their on hand on their heart and say they have exploited it to its full potential? These days the technology is more often than not being designed with the desire to keep it simple, user-friendly and often very cost effective. With society using these technologies as a ubiquitous part of their lives, why are we not exploiting these benefits and opportunties more for our industry?
In this Nursery Paper, Marcus Ragus of the Natural Resources Department, TAFE Tasmania and Peter Bobbi, NGIT Industry Development Officer, provide examples of innovative technologies that are readily available and detail on what these can do for our industry. (TNP 2008#07)
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Changing perceptions for a stronger future
How does the industry change its unjustified image of ''unskilled'' and in turn, endeavour to increase salaries, business success, keep up with current trends and practices, make the industry attractive as a career choice and retain valuable personnel?
In this Nursery Paper, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia NGIA National Training & Recognition Manager, Fiona Kelly, talks about the value of changing perceptions and the role all industry members must play to move the industry forward. (TNP 2008#05)
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Promoting the green credentials of the nursery & garden industry to the consumer through World Environment Day
World Environment Day is on June 5, and Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) is providing a unique opportunity to participate in the industry World Environment Day promotion throughout the month of June.
The aim of the campaign, which falls under the Life is a Garden brand, “Our Environment, Your Backyard”, is to get people out into their gardens to make a difference in their own backyards, in turn encouraging the purchase of more green-life. (TNP 2008#04)
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What is NIASA and how can it benefit you?
Just like many businesses in Australia, the nursery and garden industry has to deal with uncertain times. You only need to open a newspaper to read of rising interest rates and a global credit crunch, not to mention water shortages, global warming and carbon emissions. It can all get pretty gloomy, very quickly.
Fortunately, our industry has schemes in place that can not only fortify your business but also help position you as an expert in your community when it comes to dealing with issues such as water conservation, resource management and biosecurity. This Nursery Paper will look at three production nurseries who have gained NIASA Accreditation and the positive impact that applying NIASA Best Management Practice has had on their business. (TNP 2008#03)
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BioSecure HACCP
Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) in partnership with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) has developed Biosecure HACCP, a set of guidelines that will provide a systematic approach for production nurseries to assess their biosecurity hazards and responsibilities and manage the identified risks.
In this Nursery Paper, Nursery and Garden Industry Queensland (NGIQ) Industry Development Manager (IDM) John McDonald talks about the Biosecure HACCP process, what it is used for and its benefits. (TNP 2008#02)
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Plant Breeders Rights- An Australian Nursery & Garden Industry Perspective
Whether you are a nursery operator, a propagator or a wholesaler you will, at some time, come across plant varieties that are protected by plant breeder’s rights (PBR).
In this Nursery Paper, Jay Sanderson and Kathryn Adams from the Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA) explore the Australian PBR scheme, outlining the criteria for PBR protection, the scope of the right, the application process and the exceptions to PBR protection.
(TNP 2008#01)
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| 2007 Issues |
The Art of Stategic Merchandising
Pile it high and watch it fly? Not always. Strategic merchandising involves far more than meets the eye – a well merchandised store engages shoppers and all their senses. More often than not, customers will walk out of a well merchandised store with cartloads of items they hadn’t originally intended to buy.
This Nursery Paper is written by renowned retailing expert, trainer and speaker Debra Templar, and examines the art of strategic merchandising. Covering store layout and presentation, the sensory retail experience and visual merchandising, this paper offers practical tips and hints for creating a uniquely successful shopping experience in your retail nursery or garden centre.
(TNP 2007#11)
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The Australian garden market monitor
Highlights some of the major findings contained in the report undertaken by RETAILworks, commissioned by Horticulture Australia Limited and NGIA. The complete report is available from Horticulture Australia. (TNP 2007#10)
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Transforming a dead spot into a hot spot: how to make the most of your retail space
Making the most of your retail space is a key component of effective merchandising. Capturing the buying impulse of your customer is a science and an art that relies on an understanding of consumer behaviour in the sales environment.
This Nursery Paper, written by renowned retailing expert, trainer and speaker Debra Templar, examines how to transform your shop into a retail hotspot. It explains the science of consumer purchasing patterns and the art of creative product placement. Most importantly, the paper outlines simple and practical yet effective strategies to help you capitalise on potential sales opportunities.
(TNP 2007#09)
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Avoiding the Discount Addiction
To understand the full impact of continual discounting, it is useful to think of discounting as having addictive properties for both businesses and consumers.
This Nursery Paper explores the causes, consequences and cure for the ‘discount addiction’ gripping the Australian retail market. Based on the work of Michael Cleghorn, renowned international trends forecaster and Director of Minc Consulting, this paper examines the consequences of feeding the discount addiction and the changing retail climate that has encouraged its spread. It concludes by outlining practical strategies for avoiding the discount addiction and succeeding in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
(TNP 2007#08)
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Taking control of your future – business succession planning
We all like to believe that the hard work we put into building a thriving business today will reward us with a prosperous future. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way we would like. This is why business succession planning is so important.
This Nursery Paper provides a valuable introduction to succession planning for small and medium businesses. It explores what succession planning means, the benefits of looking ahead and the key to good succession planning. Most importantly, the paper explains why putting in place a detailed succession plan is the best way to ensure that you, your family, your staff and your business are equipped to deal with whatever life throws your way.
(TNP 2007#07)
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Reducing the water weed risk - aquatic plants and the nursery industry
In 2004, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) joined the National Aquatic Weeds Management Group (NAWMG) to help implement a range of initiatives designed to tackle the issue of aquatic weeds. One such project is a weed risk assessment of water plants sold in aquariums and nurseries. This project aims to identify future water weed threats and remove such plants from sale. (TNP 2007#06)
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Plant Intellectual Property
The nursery and garden industry has the highest percentage of plant varieties protected by intellectual property rights both in Australia and overseas. In this nursery paper, Jay Sanderson and Kathryn Adams of the Australian Centre for Intellectual Property in Agriculture (ACIPA) introduce readers to the field of intellectual property.
Some understanding of intellectual property is essential for all sectors of the nursery and garden industry including growers, wholesalers and retailers, who routinely deal with intellectual property protected plant varieties. Understanding intellectual property principles can not only help you to understand your rights and responsibilities but can also assist you in maximising your business opportunities.
(TNP 2007#05)
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Managing emergency plant pest incursions - the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) and the nursery industry
In 2005, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) formally joined the Australian Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments as a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). The EPPRD is a plant biosecurity partnership agreement that sees Australian industries and Governments cooperating as equal parties in the management of emergency plant pests (EPPs).
In this month’s Nursery Paper, Queensland Industry Development Manager John McDonald explains the purpose of the Deed, its significance for EPP management, and the rights and responsibilities of our industry as one of the parties to this world-first agreement.
(TNP 2007#04)
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Future options - moving on from retailing or growing
During tough market conditions, businesses in the nursery and garden industry are faced with the pressure of choosing whether to exit the industry or adapt to meet a changing market. This is the second of two Business Nursery Papers looking at future options for producers and retailers in the nursery industry. The first Future Options paper examined the major decisions, such as relocation, product change or diversification, undertaken by those who had chosen to stay in the industry but who also needed to improve profitability.
In this Nursery Paper, Neville Sloss speaks with retailers and producers who have chosen to move on from growing or retailing and looks at what factors have been important in deciding that it’s time to ‘make the move’. (TNP 2007#03)
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Water management in retail nurseries and garden centres
Garden centres face many challenges in a competitive industry and no two are the same. Stock levels and type vary seasonally and the need to display plants to attract maximum sales will sometimes come into conflict with the requirements of efficient watering.
This month’s nursery paper, written by Industry Development Officer for Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) Robert Chin, examines ways of maximising water use efficiency in garden centres. The paper offers valuable tips to help improve your water use management and discusses how doing so may even generate greater sales in your business. (TNP 2007#02)
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Water use in the nursery and garden industry - results of the 2006 Water Use Survey
In 2006, Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) commissioned a team of environmental consultants to conduct a National Water Use Survey of both production and retail businesses. The survey aimed to generate a detailed and accurate picture of water use and water management practices in the industry. This month’s Nursery Paper, written by former National Environmental Policy Manager Rebecca Dawson, explains the results of the Water Use Survey, highlighting how the nursery and garden industry compares to other agricultural sectors. The paper also includes information on the impact of water restrictions on the industry and recommendations on how the industry can continue to improve its water use efficiency.
(TNP 2007#01)
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| 2006 Issues |
EcoHort™ - the environmental management system for Australian nursery production
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) in partnership with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) has developed a set of guidelines that provide a systematic approach for production nurseries to assess their environmental and natural resource management responsibilities. EcoHort™ is the industry specific set of guidelines or Environmental Management System (EMS). In this month’s nursery paper, Queensland Industry Development Manager John McDonald discusses the importance of EcoHort™ for guiding businesses in our industry in sustainable management practices while continuing to promote profitability.
(TNP 2006#12)
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Weeds and the nursery industry
The way we deal with invasive plants (or ‘weeds’) in Australia is becoming increasingly important. The nursery industry plays an active role in this battle, particularly in addressing the distribution, planting and control of species that may be damaging to the environment and agriculture. What does your nursery business need to know about invasive garden plants? What can you do and where do you go for more information?
In this month’s nursery paper, Robert Chin explores this often complicated issue and explains why, as an industry, we need to be working with the appropriate authorities. (TNP 2006#11)
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Non-ornamentals: the forgotten members of our industry
Ever stopped to think about the many products and services that are used in the process of growing and selling plants? Or about the many businesses that provide them? In this month's nursery paper, Sandy Pate, Industry Development Officer for Western Australia, looks at our allied trade sector and the vital role they play in supporting a thriving and sustainable nursery and garden industry. (TNP 2006#10)
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Future options: new directions for a profitable future
This is the first of two Business Nursery Papers to look at future options for growers and retailers in the nursery industry. Both the market and consumers are changing − not necessarily in ways that everyone likes. Those under pressure are faced with two principal options − exit the industry, or adapt to meet the changing market and business conditions. Neville Sloss looks at those who have chosen the latter and finds out what advice they have for others. (TNP 2006#09)
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Scheduling irrigation to maximise efficiency
Irrigation scheduling is generally explained as ‘applying the right amount of water at the right time’. Unfortunately, many nurseries just water to keep their plants alive. This often means that the plants with the highest water use or most frequent demand dictate how the whole nursery is irrigated.
In this month’s Nursery Papers, former NSW Department of Agriculture officer, creator of the Waterwork training course and renowned industry ‘water guru’ Chris Rolfe explains how you can manage your watering regime to better match the requirements of your plants. (TNP 2006#08)
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Home is where the heart is
The Ipsos Mackay Report is Australia’s longest-running program of social research. Founded by noted social researcher and author, Hugh Mackay, the report helps marketers and retailers understand the mind and the mood of the Australian consumer. In this month’s Nursery Paper, the principal author of the Ipsos Mackay Report, Randall Pearce, portrays ‘home’ as the ultimate expression of who we are. However, he makes the point that the home should be as dynamic as its occupants and that it should reflect the various states and stages of our lives...both indoors and outdoors. (TNP 2006#07)
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Get the recognition you deserve - the Certified Nursery Professional Program
The Certified Nursery Professional (CNP) program is the nursery and garden industry's professional recognition scheme for individuals. While CNP members are first and foremost recognised for their exceptional skill and expertise, they are also required to maintain their membership status by engaging in ongoing learning.
This month’s Nursery Paper profiles five industry members who have taken the opportunity to invest in themselves and join the program. These CNPs discuss why they joined, their experience of the program and most importantly, how being a CNP has strengthened their industry relationships and business profiles.
(TNP 2006#05)
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How efficient is your business water management?
A 1999 national survey of nurseries that had attended a WaterWork workshop in any year since 1995 revealed that none of the participating nurseries knew or were willing to supply details on average water use, water costs, pumping costs, maintenance costs or hand watering labour costs relating to their business.
In this month’s Nursery Paper, creator of the WaterWork training course and renowned industry ‘water guru’ Chris Rolfe examines some of the topics a detailed water audit should assess. This auditing process will highlight the limitations and opportunities for optimising efficient water utilisation in your business. (TNP 2006#04)
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Gardening: A modern-day oasis?
The Ipsos Mackay Report is Australia’s longest-running program of social research. Founded by noted social researcher and commentator, Hugh Mackay, the report helps marketers and retailers understand the mind and the mood of the Australian consumer.
In this month’s Nursery Papers, the principal author of the Ipsos Mackay Report, Randall Pearce, summarises the 9th annual ‘Mind and Mood’ report, which paints a picture of an Australian community which is “rougher, tougher, more competitive and less compassionate”, and proposes that gardens and gardening can have an increasingly calming effect on an already-frenzied world.
(TNP 2006#03)
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How do the new water rules affect your business?
In Australia, over 70 percent of our available water is used for agricultural irrigation as compared to less than 40 percent in other high-income countries. In recent years, Australia’s water use has come under much scrutiny in an effort to find ways to improve its water-use efficiency.
In this month’s Nursery Papers, Chris Rolfe, former NSW Department of Agriculture officer, creator of the Waterwork training course and renowned industry ‘water guru’, examines how the new water legislation affects businesses in the nursery and garden industry. He outlines the current water policy, highlighting recent changes and assessing the risks and implications of these reforms for your business.
(TNP 2006#02)
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Nursery and Garden Industry Strategic Plan 2006-08
The nursery and garden industry has a new Strategic Plan following extensive consultation with all sectors of the industry.
A two-day national summit held in November last year brought together national and state presidents and directors, executive officers, members of Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC).
The new vision and plan has been adopted by the national and all state associations as the blueprint for future objectives and strategies. While the primary aim is to achieve a united and sustainable nursery and garden industry, the plan also seeks to lift the profile of the industry amongst consumers, the media and government. (TNP 2006#01)
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| 2005 Issues |
Protecting your business against fire
The fire season is nearly upon us once again. Many of our nursery businesses are in or near forested areas and even for those that aren’t, fire is still a risk. Have you considered a fire safety plan for your business? Would your staff know what to do if a fire was heading your way, or worse still, was at your nursery?
Fires, like any other emergency, are about risk management. This month’s Nursery Paper looks at how proper planning can help you reduce the effects and even eliminate the risk of a fire before it occurs. (TNP 2005#11)
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The cultural experience of retail
Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) is a subscriber to The Ipsos Mackay Report – Australia’s longest-running program of social research. Founded by noted social researcher and author, Hugh Mackay, the report helps marketers and retailers understand the mind and the mood of the Australian consumer.
In this month’s issue of NGIA Nursery Papers, the principal author of the Ipsos Mackay Report, Randall Pearce, casts the retail experience in a new light. He outlines how the retail experience is more than a commercial activity; it is a defining ritual of our consumerist times. In addition, he sketches some innovative ways for businesses in the nursery and garden industry to become part of this broader cultural experience.
(TNP 2005#10)
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Adding value to your product, your service and your customers' experience
Times are tight in the nursery and garden industry. And when times are tight, it’s time to explore new ideas and approaches to the products that we sell.
Drawing from his visit to several leading UK garden centres and Glee, often considered the world’s biggest annual gardening and leisure event, Neville Sloss lends an international perspective to the question of how to add value to your business.
This issue of NGIA Nursery Papers looks at what is being done to build businesses overseas and how these ideas can be implemented by Australian growers and retailers. (TNP 2005#08)
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Three's a crowd, the three generation workplace.
A workplace revolution is underway. As the Baby Boomer generation prepares to leave – taking a wealth of knowledge with it – Generation Y has a foot in the door and a mission to transform the workplace. Generation X, however, has its own ideas and isn’t too keen on listening. Welcome to a workplace with three generations! Based on the work of award winning
speaker, workshop leader and author Karen Schmidt, this Nursery Paper offers tips on not just surviving the revolution, but getting the best for your business from the three generation workplace. (TNP 2005#07)
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Advising, Allocating and Approving - the role of the IAC
Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) is commissioned by the Federal Government with the task of managing the funds collected from the nursery products levy or ‘pot levy’ and overseeing the matching of Commonwealth research and development funding arrangements.
To enable the nursery and garden industry to have input into this process, HAL has set up an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) that consists of representatives nominated by Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA). This Nursery Paper explains how the Industry Advisory Committee operates and advises on the use of industry funds. (TNP 2005#06)
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Garden centres benchmark financial performance
You may enjoy the job but how are you performing against your peers. (TNP 2005#05)
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Achieving a profitable business
The level of financial management skill and ability in many Australian small businesses is known to be low. As a result, many small businesses in Australia fail to achieve their full potential - profitability levels are low and proprietors do not reap the maximum benefit of their efforts. In addition, some common traits of entrepreneurs actually inhibit business success. There are however some simple tools that can significantly improve business profitability. This Nursery Paper summarises the presentation delivered by Tim Atterton, Director of Bankwest Entrepreneurship & Business Development Unit at Curtin Business School and Chairman of Small Business Development Corporation Western Australia, at the 2005 NGIA conference.
(TNP 2005#05)
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Understanding population and social trends
Demographic and social trends within Australia continue to change. As a whole, the population is getting older and moving out from the bush to the coastal fringe, while world events and a growing economy have prompted significant social change. But what does all of this mean for the nursery and garden industry, and how can nursery businesses benefit? This Nursery Paper summarises population and social trend information presented by Bernard Salt, Partner with KPMG Australia, and Jem Wallis, Managing Director of Heartbeat, at the 2005 NGIA conference.
(TNP 2005#04)
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Professional strategies for profitable products and businesses
There are many examples in our industry of products or businesses that are successful or heading towards success. In each case there is a fundamental element - a professional strategy to meet their goals. To survive and prosper in today's market a strategic plan for your business or specific product is essential. This Nursery Paper looks at three businesses in various stages of their strategic plans and the messages you can take from them to apply in your own business. (TNP 2005#03)
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Development Officers Build Better Businesses
The Development Officer network of the nursery and garden industry is an effective tool in the implementation of the industry's National Strategic Plan. Our well qualified and experienced Development Officers work with retailers, wholesalers and growers to help build better businesses, move towards accreditation and in turn promote our industry – all major objectives of the Plan. These development officers are employed by the state Nursery & Garden Industry associations to provide independent advice and support for a variety of state and national initiatives, including best management practices, accreditation, training and promotion.
(TNP 2005#02)
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Greenhouse design
The basic function of a greenhouse is to provide more uniform and reliable plant growth, safer and easier work conditions and to minimise impact on the environment. While there are many different greenhouse design and climate control options available, it is helpful to consider greenhouses under three broad technology categories; being low, medium and high. (TNP 2005#01)
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| 2004 Issues |
Hygiene in plant propagation
By implementing hygiene protocols during the four stages of propagation you can increase efficiency and minimise endemic problems within the nursery. (TNP 2004#11)
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Marketing programs: ideas from garden centres
Retailing is getting harder and harder. So what are the marketing ideas that have been successfully used by garden centres to maintain and grow their business? The initiatives examined were submitted as part of the 2004 Australian Garden Industry Awards. (TNP 2004#10)
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Using pot plants to clean indoor air
Research by the University of Technology, Sydney, has shown how many pot plants are required to clean indoor air and if they work in different environments. This is part two of Nursery Paper 2001/2. (TNP 2004#09)
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Managing Western Flower Thrips using Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
The Virginia Farm Trials in South Australia have proved and collected useful recommendations for pests such as Western Flower Thrips using IPM techniques. (TNP 2004#08)
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Water restriction effects on gardeners, and how to respond
A recent study commissioned by NGIA has revealed that there is a great opportunity for retailers and producers to in our industry play a leading role in providing consumers with positive messages, information and resources about water use in the garden. (TNP 2004#07)
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Simple integrated pest management (IPM) techniques
Preventing pest and disease is better than trying to cure outbreaks. This Nursery Paper, second in a series of three, looks at implementing some simple Integrated Pest (and disease) Management (IPM) techniques based on research tested by the Virginia Farm Trials project in South Australia. (TNP 2004#06)
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Tapping into the growing landscaper market
If you think that supplying the landscaper market means you can get away with supplying lower quality plants and limited service, think again. Landscapers demand high quality plant (and lots of them) and top service. This Nursery Paper explores how production nurseries can better service the landscaper market by asking landscapers what they want and discovering some helpful hints from producers already doing it. (TNP 2004#05)
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What is your core product?
Its about being different to your competition. Martin Grunstein, Managing Director of Success Communications, and an expert in customer service believes that businesses in the Australian nursery and garden industry need to reassess how they differentiate themselves from the competition in order to survive. In this Nursery Paper Martin examines the key aspects for differentiation for retailers and producers - your core product and your value added services – and outlines the past, present and future of the industry. (TNP 2004#04)
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Pest & disease - prevention is better than cure
The Virginia Farm Trials in South Australia have been investigating practical onsite methods to better control pests and diseases in commercial vegetable and herb farms. The results are applicable to nurseries and the good news is that the control of Western Flower Thrips (WFT), and other pests like white fly and mites, can be greatly improved by simply assessing and improving existing pest management programs. (TNP 2004#03)
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Landscaping, the growth opportunity for retailers
It’s not the Aussie backyard anymore, it’s the Oz ‘outdoor room’. Consumers are paying to create new ‘outdoor rooms’ that are an extension of their lifestyle. Retailers are in a unique position to benefit from this trend. (TNP 2004#02)
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New report shows latest trends in the Australian garden market (Feb 2004 Issue no. 13)
The latest Australian Garden Market Monitor report provides national statistics on the size industry, important growth areas and market trends for the year ending 30 June 2003. (TNP 2004#01)
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| 2003 Issues |
Spotted anything Unusual
Look. Be Alert. Call an expert. The new National Plant Health Awareness Campaign targeting the nursery and garden industry is encouraging commercial plant producers and retailers to regularly check their plants for unusual pest or disease signs. (TNP 2003#12)
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Understanding and managing nursery weeds
The cost of weed control in container nurseries is estimated at between $3,700 and $8,470, but may be as high as $96,000 when weeds like bittercress (Cardamine spp.) and liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) are present. To minimise weed control costs, nursery managers need an integrated weed management program involving an understanding of both the target weeds and available weed management options. (TNP 2003#11)
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Your Development Officers
The first industry Development Officer positions began in the early 1990’s. Initially part-time positions, they were production or grower focused and concentrated on developing and carrying out the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme, Australia (NIASA). Since then, this highly professional network has grown to 13 predominantly full time roles working with production nurseries, growing media suppliers and garden centres or retail nurseries. (TNP 2003#10)
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Understanding gardeners and garden owners
Gardeners and garden owners already believe gardening is good value for money. So nursery retailers and growers should focus on offering value and benefits for both products and services rather than worrying about price. This Nursery Paper summarises the findings of a consumer research study conducted by Mark Dignam & Associates Pty Ltd. (TNP 2003#09)
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Ensuring safety in your nursery
Is your production or retail nursery business safe for you, your employees and your visitors? All Australian businesses are under increasing scrutiny to ensure a safe workplace. Nursery businesses are no exception. This Nursery Paper provides useful workplace health and safety tips and a simple test you can use to assess health and safety standards in your business and highlight areas you need to address. (TNP 2003#08)
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Designing a nursery reed bed
Reed beds efficiently remove nutrients and organic matter from nursery runoff, see Nursery Paper ‘Reed beds clean up nursery runoff water’, issue number 2003/05. As a result, the Alstonville Centre for Tropical Horticulture in conjunction with Southern Cross University at Lismore, responsible for initial research and experimental reed beds, designed and helped construct a full scale reed bed system at Bau Farm nursery on the north coast of New South Wales. This Nursery Paper briefly explains some of the factors to be considered when designing and constructing a nursery reed bed. (TNP 2003#07)
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Improving efficiencies within the nursery industry
The nursery and garden industry is continually being forced to improve efficiencies in production, dispatch, transport, training and market research. As a result, nursery products levy money and considerable effort has gone into researching efficiency improvements for the industry. This Nursery Paper highlights some of the efficiency and mechanisation improvement projects that have been carried out for the nursery and garden industry. (TNP 2003#06)
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Reed beds clean up nursery run-off water
Government legislation in many parts of Australia now restricts the discharge of nutrient laden runoff water from any premises, including nurseries. Restrictions also exist in many areas on water usage, regardless of the source. Reed beds efficiently remove nutrients and organic matter from nursery runoff. This Nursery paper describes how they work and their potential in a nursery runoff recycling system. (TNP 2003#05)
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Getting waterwise messages to your customers
Publicity during the recent drought has made people aware that the typical home garden consumes between 60 to 70% of all water used in the household. While water restrictions stopped some people gardening altogether, others became more thoughtful about gardening styles and practices. This Nursery Paper contains many of the useful waterwise messages used by water authorities and the gardening media during the drought. These messages for our customers should not be dumped along with the first showers. (TNP 2003#04)
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Nutrient Charting
Nutrient charting is a powerful tool for managing the nutrition of nursery crops. It can be used to anticipate deficiencies and toxicities so that they can be corrected before they become chronic, check on the adequacy of a fertilizer program and guide the development of a new one and indicate when a crop needs top dressing. The procedures are quick, inexpensive and can be done on site. Interpretation of results is intuitive making the user less dependent on outside advice. (TNP 2003#03)
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(1 Mb) |
Growth of the nursery and garden industry
This Nursery Paper details the major findings contained in the latest Australian garden market monitor report and provides businesses with a suggested list of actions based on these results. (TNP 2003#02)
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(714 Kb) |
The benefits of being professional accreditation
This Nursery Paper provides an outline of the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme, Australia (NIASA) and the Australian Garden Centre Accreditation Scheme (AGCAS) and the Nursery & Garden Industry Professional Program (NGIPP) as well as detailing some of the benefits that businesses and individuals have already gained from them. (TNP 2003#01)
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(3 Mb) |
| 2002 Issues |
Importing plants its not that hard
Thought you might import some plants, but not sure where to start? Importing plants is not difficult as long as you know the process that is involved. This Nursery Paper describes the process and details some helpful hints from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. (TNP 2002#16)
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(845 Kb) |
Managing and marketing new plants
Ever thought that you have just discovered the next best plant sensation since the ‘Iceberg’ rose? If you did, would you know what to do? This Nursery Paper details how you can be sure that you actually have a new plant sensation and explores the various options for you to gain maximum financial benefit from your new discovery. (TNP 2002#15)
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(2 Mb) |
Biological controls for diseases of nursery plants
Researchers and biotechnology companies around the world are developing new products containing biological organisms for the control of plant diseases. The challenge for industry is to integrate their use with other crop management practices to enable maximum benefits. This Nursery Paper reviews some of these developments and their potential for adoption by the Australian nursery industry. (TNP 2002#14)
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(1010 Kb) |
Supplying crop nutrition through controlled release fertilisers
This Nursery Paper highlights some useful information for optimising the performance of CRFs and should be read in conjunction with two other Nursery Papers; in this issue ‘Water quality and nursery crop nutrition ’, issue number 2002/11, and ‘Supplying crop nutrition through fertigation ’, issue number 2002/12. (TNP 2002#13)
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(573 Kb) |
Supplying crop nutrition through fertigation
Fertigation is the process of supplying fertiliser or nutrients to crops in the irrigation water. Traditionally, fertigation was used mainly by seedling, punnet, potted colour and foliage crop producers. However, the opportunity to use fertigation in a greater variety of nursery crops is explored in this Nursery Paper. (TNP 2002#12)
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(636 Kb) |
Water quality and nursery crop nutrition
Nursery crop nutrition can be significantly affected by the quality of irrigation water. As a result, particular attention must be paid to water quality and its interaction with applied fertilisers, especially fertigation. This Nursery Paper should be read in conjunction with the two accompanying Nursery Papers; ‘Supplying crop nutrition through fertigation ’, issue number 2002/12, and ‘Supplying crop nutrition through controlled release fertilisers’, issue number 2002/13. (TNP 2002#11)
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(603 Kb) |
Market research information for your business
Combines the information from the autumn and spring 2001 consumer surveys conducted by Creative Dialogue for the nursery and garden industry. By marrying regional demographic information with the latest information gained from the study, new valuable, individual regional market intelligence reports are now available. (TNP 2002#10)
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(2 Mb) |
Making the internet work for you
Explores how businesses in the nursery and garden industry can make the internet work for them by describing its uses and benefits, how it is linked to relationship marketing and by detailing strategies to use the internet. (TNP 2002#09)
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(1 Mb) |
The Australian garden market monitor
Highlights some of the major findings contained in the report undertaken by RETAILworks, commissioned by Horticulture Australia Limited and NGIA. The complete report is available from Horticulture Australia. (TNP 2002#08)
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(699 Kb) |
Water retention efficiency of potting mixes
Details the results of an Australia -wide survey on potting mixes and describes a simple procedure for nursery operators to do their own water retention efficiency testing. (TNP 2002#07)
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(1 Mb) |
Pesticide Management Diary CD launched
The Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) has developed a Pesticide Management Diary for recording pesticide applications in retail and production nurseries. A free copy will be sent to all NGIA members. This paper summaries how the diary works and how it can help members. (TNP 2002#06)
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(3 Mb) |
Disease awareness in the nursery and garden industry
Independent research has been carried out to determine the attitudes of industry members towards plant disease management and diagnostic services. This paper summarises the results, particularly in regard to plant diseases such as Phytophthora and its management. (TNP 2002#05)
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(4 Mb) |
Horticultural industries working together through 'AusHort'
Because many of the research and development opportunities identified by researchers and/or development officers commonly affect multiple horticultural industries, Horticulture Australia and industry has put in place a way to facilitate multiple industry research and development (R&D) by forming the ‘AusHort R&D’ committee. (TNP 2002#04)
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(613 Kb) |
Fire Ants and the nursery and garden industry
This Nursery Paper explains the problem and summarises what the nursery and garden industry should know about Red Imported Fire Ants - an invasion into Australia with the potential to cause environmental disaster. (TNP 2002#03)
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(648 Kb) |
The Industry Advisory Committee what does it do?
To enable the nursery and garden industry to have input into managing the funds collected from the nursery products levy and oversee the matching Commonwealth research and development funding arrangements, Horticulture Australia Limited set up an Industry Advisory Committee. This Nursery Paper explains how the Industry Advisory Committee operates and advises on the use of industry funds. (TNP 2002#02)
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(582 Kb) |
How the nursery and garden industry benefit from Plant Health Australia
The role of Plant Health Australia is to identify, co-ordinate and pursue activities that will reduce the impact of pests, diseases and weeds on Australia’s plant industries. This Nursery Paper details how Plant Health Australia operates and provides benefits to the nursery and garden industry. (TNP 2002#01)
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(606 Kb) |
| 2001 Issues |
The facts on hazardous plants
Details the findings a study commissioned by the Horticulture Australia and NGIA entitled ‘An analysis of hazardous plants in the Australian Nursery and Garden Industry’, project NY98047. (TNP 2001#14)
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(6 Mb) |
Understanding your customers
Regular research to determine where and what our customers spend their money on provides national figures on the gardening market and its trends and enables profiles of consumer types to be mapped and regional market intelligence reports produced. (TNP 2001#13)
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(3 Mb) |
Discovering alternatives to garden escapes
The issue of invasive plants, often referred to as ‘weeds’, is a complex one. What the nursery and garden industry should do about this issue is equally, or even more, complex. This Nursery Paper details the approach being taken in a project funded in part by the federal government through the Natural Heritage Trust. (TNP 2001#12)
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(5 Mb) |
Flora for fauna plants for birds, bees, butterflies and profitability
The November start-up of the Flora for Fauna campaign will create new marketing opportunities for both growers and retailers. This Nursery Paper focuses on the crucial role that growers can play in the program and looks at how the whole industry can capitalise on this federal government supported campaign. (TNP 2001#11)
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(4 Mb) |
Knowing your business costs
While universal agreement on how to best determine a price for nursery products and services may never be achieved, there are some basic principles. In addition, two new costing courses are now available for production nurseries and for garden centres. (TNP 2001#10)
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(2 Mb) |
How big is your slice?
Highlights from the ‘Market Monitor’ project report, undertaken by RETAILworks, which gathered information on the 8000 nation-wide nursery and garden industry businesses. (TNP 2001#09)
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(2 Mb) |
Understanding distribution channels and product categories
Essential data from the Nursery Industry Statistics Project's ‘Garden Industry Product Category’ and ‘Distribution Channel’ structure. By familiarising yourself with these structures and by determining, which product categories and distribution channels you deal with, you will be better able to use industry data to help strategically plan your business. (TNP 2001#08)
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(2 Mb) |
Chalara (black root rot), can you recognise it?
Early identification of the fungus, Chalara elegans, good nursery hygiene and effective insect control are the important steps in better control of this disease. (TNP 2001#07)
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(2 Mb) |
Business information the key to meeting present and future challenges
This Nursery Paper summarises the findings from a study of information needs of wholesale and retail nurseries and allied traders. (TNP 2001#06)
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(2 Mb) |
Water fogging and misting systems are they a risk to human health?
Dr David Douglas, a consultant in occupational and environmental health, reports that good quality water (that is treated town water, clean rain water or water that has been disinfected properly) will not contain bacteria, fungi or viruses that are harmful to either plants or humans. (TNP 2001#05)
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(3 Mb) |
The environment, your nursery & its management
Why and how improving your environmental performance is also likely to improve your business efficiency and, as a result, profitability. (TNP 2001#04)
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(12 Mb) |
Computer software for the nursery industry
There are many different computer options available to nursery retailers and growers; adapt off-the-shelf general business management programs or contract the services of a programmer? This Nursery Paper outlines some of the important points to consider when evaluating software options and also outlines the features of several grower/retailer nursery software packages. (TNP 2001#03)
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(134 Kb) |
Pot-plants really do clean indoor air
Recent research shows that indoor pot plants do improve air quality and how this occurs. As a result, clear claims can now be made and development can begin of varieties with an even better capacity for cleaning indoor air. (TNP 2001#02)
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(8 Mb) |
The expanding overseas market for Australian nursery product
An overview of current world trends, opportunities available in Japan and how nursery businesses can get started in the export market. All monetary figures quoted are in Australian Dollars. (TNP 2001#01)
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(7 Mb) |
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