About Austplant

As one of the foremost nurseries in Victoria,  Austplant has been helping people establish beautiful native gardens for the last 35 years. Set on top of picturesque Arthur’s seat on the Mornington peninsula, Austplant is a hidden treat.

From Purves Road there is little indication of the beautiful gardens that lie hidden away in this tranquil gulley.  The Nursery is set in 5 acres of ever changing landscaped gardens which you are welcome to wander and experience the many different species of colourful flowering natives, and hear diverse birdlife they attract. You may even find some innovative landscape designs you can use for your own garden.

Austplant have plants and designs to suit all locations around Melbourne, with over 600 varieties, from Grasses to Gum trees, the friendly staff at Austplant will find the right plants to suit your garden.

All our staff are fully qualified in horticulture and can provide expert advice on creating windbreaks, garden design and planting, soil testing, planting and assistance with the design of domestic, farm, industrial and commercial gardens. We can also help devise solutions for problem areas such as alkaline (lime) soils commonly found from Rye to Portsea and parts of Cape Schanck.

We can also provide strategies for windswept and salty areas and, permanently wet, shady or extremely dry areas. Please feel free to ask us for suggestions to get the right plants for your property.
 

Contact Information

Telephone / Fax

0359896120

Address

249 Purves Road, Arthurs Seat 3936 Victoria.  Melway Ref:171: F5,

Where to find Austplant

Take the Dromana Arthur's Seat exit from the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Drive up Arthur's Seat, then turn right into Purves Road, you will find us 2.5km down the road on the left.

We are open 7 Days - Monday to Saturday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sundays.

Melway Ref:171: F5,

Pioneering Australian Natives since 1970 - the story of Mr. and Mrs. Austplant.

Austplant was established in 1970 by a forward thinking husband and wife team, Cheryl and Len Yearsley. Len then an advertising executive, and Cheryl a consular officer of the Australian Embassy of Japan.  Hardly the sort you would imagine making a success of a life on the land.

Cheryl and  Len studied for and obtained diplomas of Horticulture from Burley College, and embarked on a sea-change, which would ultimately create a peninsula icon. Much to the surprise of locals they proved to be a determine and unstoppable team, helping to develop the demand for native gardens on the Mornington Peninsula.

Cheryl and Len faced a momentous task of turning the future site of Austplant from a pine plantation into a beautiful native nursery. The removal of several hundred mature pine trees, and their stumps cleared the way for an intimate setting of terraced growing areas and extensive display gardens.

The task of creating Austplant was made even more challenging with the arrival of three curious boys (Adam Robert and Glen) between 1972 and 1978)

With the demands of raising three boys, and a growing business, in 1980 they took on an apprentice, Peter Wilson. 'Pete' has been with Austplant ever since - pictured below left (right)

Austplant will be remembered as an ever present sight at the monthly Red Hill Market - pictured above right, through the 1970's and 1980's  becoming the longest running stall holder in the history of the popular gathering. Although Austplant no longer attends the market, the nursery is only an 8 minute drive from the Red Hill showgrounds and always open weekends.

In the 1990's they both faced and won battles with cancer. They began preparing their youngest son Glen to run the family business, in May 2005 Cheryl and Len retired heading to warmer waters, literally sailing off into the sunset.

Len and Cheryl would like to extend their thanks to Austplant's customers and friends, we will miss you.

A new generation forges ahead in 2005

In May 2005 Glen Yearsley took over management of Austplant. Since then Glen has focused on an extensive redevelopment of Austplant's display gardens and Nursery, with the landscaping of 25 new gardens and planting of 800 new trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers on the site.

Glen says "these new gardens will showcase the diversity of colour and effects that can be achieved with Australian natives, and put to rest the misconception that Australian natives come only in green and brown!"

Send mail to webmaster@austplant.com.au with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 06/11/05