The owner of Heritage House Garden Centre says anyone can be a good gardener. All you need is good soil and good plants. My efforts suggest it requires a bit more than that. I need some advise so this is a one-stop shop for me. Pierre will happily give suggestions and help design gardens at no charge.
It's nice to be able to get something for a gold coin
I told Pierre about my new above ground no dig veggie patch. I forgot to take my list but I remembered loam, pea straw and compost. He told me I didn't need all that, 'It's a bit early, come back in two weeks and I can give you everything you need.' 'Don't put in too many plants' he warned me. This certainly wasn't the advice I expected from a salesman.
Heritage House Garden Centre grow a lot of their own plants out in the open. I didn't understand the significance of this but apparently this helps them get used to the harsh environment. In Nillumbik (a place with no soil and plenty of clay) the plants need to be hardy.
Brighten up a room with artificial flowers that don't break the budget
The range of plants is extensive. His stock also includes: fruit trees, maples, soil, mulch, herbs, veggies, pots, outdoor furniture and accessories and presents. You never know what you will find in the present shop. They have enough candles to set up a candle shop, unique ornaments, baskets, wind chimes, cushions, cards, clothes, utensils and mirrors. I fell in love with Daisy the metal cow – surely a garden essential and a bargain at $349!
Daisy
Pierre claims they have the largest and cheapest range of pots in Melbourne. They certainly come in all shapes, colours and sizes. The garden centre imports the pots themselves to cut out the middleman and provide quality products for a reasonable price.
About one third of the pot range
Pierre obviously knows his customers, he commented on how much my daughter had grown. He called another customer by name and asked about his business. 'Don't put anymore in that trolley he calls out or you'll hurt your back.' Immediately another worker arrived with another trolley and started reloading his mulch bags.
Obviously a male donkey
I always seem to find something interesting I want to buy here. Today I took a liking to the 1 metre donkey statue despite the obvious impracticality of it for my home. I was a bit worried when Pierre said to my ten-year-old daughter 'Do you know how I know that donkey is male?' I even tried to discreetly lean over to check. '… because all males are donkeys.' Need I say more?
