| Fleming’s Nurseries has long been a family dedicated to growing fruit trees for the commercial orchardists of Australia and fruit and ornamental trees for the retail nursery and landscape industry of Australia.
As early as 1925 Eric Fleming described himself as a ‘Nurseryman’. Eric and Nellie had 11 children, six of whom were boys. After Eric’s death in 1953 five of his sons worked successfully together for 27 years showing resourcefulness in inventing open ground nursery machinery, improving tree-growing methods and producing quality catalogues. In 1980, when Ken retired and Maurie went his own way, Merv and Ray were soon to follow Ken’s example with retirement and in 1984 the nursery came back to a one-family ownership - that of Don and Dawn, along with sons Graham and Wes.
In 1984 we as a family decided that we would work together to turn Fleming’s Nurseries into a quality operation that would be recognisable around the world, developing even further the heritage started by Eric Fleming and his sons. We commented at the time that it was likely that after working together for 15 years or so then either Graham or Wes may want to branch out and we agreed that if that happened we would manage a split professionally.
Quality loyal staff was hired to assist us in growing the nursery and the past 24 years from 1984 to 2008 have been exciting. We have seen remarkable leaps forward both in the commercial and retail sectors with the latest cultivars in both markets now being available in line with the rest of the world - and in some cases leading the world.
Advances were made in deliveries all over Australia, new standards were set in our nursery catalogues, a promotion system was put in place, and where possible, tree quality was improved. It became a period of proud and principled achievement.
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Now, with our retirements and with Graham and Wes both bringing in their own children, the time has come for another division.
Graham and his family will concentrate on the commercial side of the business where he is already well recognised among the orchard community for his efforts and achievements: he has consistently and professionally represented the family successfully world wide in seeking new cultivars and methods.
Wes on the other hand has shown his love for all things ornamental and will continue in the role he has forged for himself in the retail nursery trade, landscaping and development industry, and promoting the importance of trees to the world.
So for our valued customers, very little will change. There may be a minor difference in telephone numbers, and perhaps a contact person here or there will change. Possibly some of the changes will be for the better, as we will not have to spread our quality people so thin. Importantly; we, Don and Dawn Fleming, will be there in both areas: acting as mentors to Graham and Wes, and coaches to the grandchildren who have a strong tradition to maintain, making sure they know how to grow an excellent tree - because they have a proud name to uphold.
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