Homegrown heroes
At Flower Power, we're known as The Garden People for a reason. We grow over 6 million of our own plants every year, and our growers - often plant and garden enthusiasts themselves - simply love the plants they're tasked with nurturing. They raise them from the very beginning, and go the extra mile to ensure that every plant that comes out of our growing nursery, Arborglen, lands in your home or garden as happy and healthy as possible. Meet a few of our key people!
Meet Jenna
Working with succulents at Arborglen since 2021
Tell us a little about your background, and what brought you to work at Arborglen.
"I moved to Sydney from North Queensland and discovered a passion for plants during the COVID lockdown. My passion grew until I decided to make a career change, so growing plants could become a bigger part of my life. I was offered a role in the succulent area at Arborglen and haven’t looked back since!"
What does your typical day at Arborglen look like?
"My typical day involves hand-picking plants for stores and trade customers, managing irrigation, potting plants, managing my team of workers, propagation, maintaining stock, designing & creating our succulent and cactus gardens. I particularly enjoy designing the gardens and new ranges."
What has been the highlight of your Arborglen career to date?
"The highlight of my career so far was going to the stores for the first time and seeing all of the plants I grew, and gardens I created, on display. It was a proud moment for me and was really nice to see people enjoying something that I had a hand in making."
Meet Amanda
Living Trends Designer at Arborglen since 2015
Tell us a little about your background, and what brought you to work at Arborglen.
"I’m trained in Fine Arts and Floristry. I love things that challenge me creatively, and this job looked like the perfect fit."
What does your typical day at Arborglen look like?
"My work day starts at 6am with organising paperwork and product orders. Once that's done, it’s time to load up the delivery truck with our gorgeous Living Trends range and deliver them to the 10 Flower Power retail stores. I merchandise the in-store displays to make sure they’re looking their best, then it’s back to Living Trends HQ to keep creating beautiful things. I enjoy that there’s always something new happening, and I love creating beautiful things that our customers can take home to enjoy."
What has been the highlight of your Arborglen career to date?
"Starting the Living Trends range off with a small display of 20 items at Flower Power Glenhaven in 2015 and seeing it grow into the beautiful, eye-catching range that it is now, with displays in all 10 Flower Power stores. It's given me immense job satisfaction."
Meet Emma
Working with indoor foliage at Arborglen since 2021
Tell us a little about your background, and what brought you to work at Arborglen.
"How I came to be working at Arborglen was a little less traditional than most. After finishing high school, I completed a Bachelor of Music and went on to work at an Audio Visual and Events company in the city. Whilst working here I began to develop my passion for indoor plants, one plant at a time. With a steadily increasing number of houseplants and changing employment circumstances I decided it was time to try something new and applied for the position of nursery hand at Arborglen. My first few months here were spent in dispatch, barcoding and labelling plants before I was lucky enough to be moved to my current role."
What does your typical day at Arborglen look like?
"My typical day at Arborglen starts bright and early at 7:30am. I can usually be found first thing in the morning watering my plants and coordinating my team for the day. Each day in this job differs from the last, which is one of the things I really enjoy about this role. In the span of a week I could be picking an order, trimming plants, pulling weeds or hand-potting hundreds of plants. One of the best things about my job is being able to watch the plants grow. It’s so amazing to see a tiny plug or cutting grow into something so big and lush. Some of my favourite plants to grow are calatheas - they can be finicky, but it's so rewarding when you get it right!"
What has been the highlight of your Arborglen career to date?
"The highlight of my career so far has definitely been my promotion to the indoor plant area. I’m so incredibly grateful that I get to come to work each day and be surrounded by something I’m so passionate about."
Have you picked up any pearls of gardening wisdom along the way?
"If I could offer any gardening wisdom it would be to regularly check your plants for pests and diseases. Getting on top of a problem early can save you a lot of time and heartache in the future!"
Meet Jo
Working with young plants and propagation at Arborglen since 2003
Tell us a little about your background, and what brought you to work at Arborglen.
"I came across this job by accident, just after the major 2002 bushfires had come through Glenorie - I was reading the paper, saw the advertisement and decided on the spur of the moment to ring and enquire. It was perfect for me at the time as I could work for a couple of hours per week to fit in with having a 5 month old baby and three primary school-aged children. I had very little plant knowledge to begin with, but 20 years later, I now know how to look after the majority of plants grown at Arborglen. It's all thanks to the help and training I’ve received along the way from some of the very knowledgeable people I’ve had the privilege of working with."
What does your typical day at Arborglen look like? What do you spend your time doing?
"A typical day consists of potting preparation, plant maintenance, trimming and feeding, receiving stock, and of course hand-watering when required."
What has been the highlight of your Arborglen career to date?
"Getting a new trimming machine! Before getting the machine, every plant was trimmed by hand with a pair of shears or secateurs, which was labour intensive. I've also really enjoyed seeing the ongoing improvements to the nursery. On a personal note, completing my Certificate III in Horticulture last year has been a great highlight."
Meet Dan
Working in logistics at Arborglen since 2013
Tell us a little about your background, and what brought you to work at Arborglen.
"I started my working life in the construction industry, but after recovering from an injury I decided to change careers. I started working at Arborglen in 2013 and fell in love with the place."
What does your typical day at Arborglen look like?
"My day starts at 6am. I begin by preparing our trucks, tractors and other equipment, along with organising paperwork and ensuring the workspace is clean and prepared for when my team arrive. I enjoy doing things that bring the whole team together, and I’m passionate about excelling at every task I’m given, and problem solving to get the job done."
What has been the highlight of your Arborglen career to date?
"Setting the record for the most plants picked & dispatched in a week!"
Meet Jimmy
Smile Inducer, Maintenance Team Supervisor and Site Mascot at Arborglen since 2014
Tell us a little about your background, and what brought you to work at Arborglen.
"This is my first ever job! My best friend Derek brought me to work here when I was just a pup."
What does your typical day at Arborglen look like?
"I start the morning with a drive around the nursery with Derek to check that everything is in good working order. Then I get to work greeting the many staff that work here as they arrive to start their days."
What do you spend your time doing?
"Riding in Derek’s ute and supervising the maintenance team as they work."
Are there particular bits you really enjoy, or are super passionate about?
"Spending my day with friendly people and getting pats and yummy treats from all my friends!"