Business is blooming

Three years ago Pat and Julie Weisse, with their son Phillip, turned their gardening lifestyle into a business by opening Weisse's Seedling and Nursery in Winton Street.

Encouraged by friends, family and locals to 'give it a go' this trio of green thumbs has steadily expanded the range of plants and seedling varieties on offer in response to what customers want.

"Managing a nursery during times of drought has been very challenging but we always find inspiration from our customers. We ask them what they want and we get it in," said Pat.

"It's very satisfying when people bring in a cut flower grown from our seedling or a photo of a finished garden. We really enjoy that."

It's this personal approach to customer service that was recognised by customers and rewarded by the Chamber of Commerce which selected the Weisse family to receive the July 2004 Exceptional Service Award.

Pat, Julie and Phillip were delighted to receive the 'unexpected' award, and attribute their success to helping people find exactly what they want, even if it means going that extra mile.

"We also aim to keep our products affordable so more people are encouraged to keep gardening in hard times," adds Julie. But regular customers will tell you that the offer of homemade biscuits with tea or coffee is also a firm favourite.

Looking to the future, Pat and Julie see young people, like their son Phillip, as the future of horticulture. The nursery employs two trainees and aims to continue providing opportunities for young people to discover and enjoy gardening.

If you would like to nominate someone who delights you with their service, please call Chamber's Promotions Officer, Julie Burrows on 4662 4050.