Meet Our Douglas Park Horticulturist
Join us as we sit down with Nathan, a local resident and passionate owner of Red Leaf Wholesale Nursery.
Read on to discover insights into his horticulture business, his care for the community and plans for the future.
Let’s start off with a little bit about you?
I live in Wilton with my wife and four children, though I was born and raised in Bradbury. I’ve always loved cars, especially early Volkswagens. I worked as a chef until 2002, when I transitioned into garden maintenance at an aged care facility. This led to starting my first business, Makatak Maintenance, where I serviced ten nursing homes across Sydney. My bright pink Volkswagen Kombi van became well-known in the area, helping me attract more business.
In 2004, I met Tracey and Mehmet Mehmet, owners of Camellia Park Nursery, and soon began working part-time with them while also running Makatak. To deepen my knowledge, I completed a Certificate 3 in Horticulture over four years.
By 2006, I was working full-time at the nursery, helping diversify its plant offerings. I was well-trained in running a nursery from irrigation, propagation and plant production. It was great to meet someone that shared the same passion for plants as me and building a production nursery where the local residents of Macarthur and beyond could purchase locally grown plants. During my time at Camellia Park Nursery, I worked alongside Wendy Kelly, who also had a great passion for plants and an eye for detail. Wendy and I worked together until 2015 until Mehmet informed us that due to health issues he was going to sell. Despite great efforts to purchase the nursery and keep it going, I was unable to. As a result, I took this opportunity to embark on my own and in 2017 Red Leaf Wholesale Nursery was born.
And a little bit about your business?
In 2017, I purchased an old wholesale nursery in Leppington with the goal of building on the vision started at Camellia Park Nursery. I convinced my friend Wendy to come out of retirement to join me, and Red Leaf Wholesale Nursery was born. After two relocations due to property development, I found a permanent home at the former Dowlers Wholesale Nursery in Douglas Park.
Red Leaf is a wholesale plant production nursery where 85% of stock is grown onsite and sold locally, with a small section open to the public. We offer a range of plants including potted colour, shrubs, trees, and vegetables. Additionally, I run a mobile nursery service for aged care facilities in Macarthur and Wollondilly, inspired by my late mother, to help residents enjoy gardening again.
Who has been a great influence for you or the business?
The greatest influence for both me and my business would be Mehmet Mehmet and Wendy Kelly. Without Mehmet’s guidance and knowledge of teaching me to operate a production nursery in all aspects and without Wendy’s longstanding support, together with her insight and ideas, Red Leaf Wholesale Nursery would not be the successful business it is today. I will also mention my wonderful wife Sarah, who is my biggest supporter in everything I do.
What makes your business successful?
I am passionate about what I produce and sell. I pride myself on the quality of stock that I grow. The plants at Red Leaf Wholesale Nursery are all locally propagated from my own stock plant material, which is climatised to the local area. I love to help people create their dreams for their own gardens and will always have a genuine interest in their projects.
What's your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment would have to be establishing a business on my own from nothing and of course my four wonderful children.
Do you have any new plans for your business you would like to share?
My dream is to be a “one-stop shop” with a landscape supply yard and a fixed or mobile coffee van.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself I see myself still working within a thriving business, serving the local community and beyond with an all-inclusive nursery, including a landscape supply yard and café.
Other than your own business, which Dilly business is your favourite?
Margaret’s Garden in Wilton. They do great floral arrangements and fresh flower bouquets.
Where do you pick up your favorite takeaway in Wollondilly?
Douglas Park Takeaway or The Menangle Store.
What is a must-see or do in Wollondilly and why?
A must-see in Wollondilly would have to be Warragamba Dam or Cordeaux Dam. Both are great family friendly places to relax and take the children on an adventure.
