Heaton’s Nursery: thriving business rooted in local heritage

Peter Heaton amongst a sea of ferns at Heaton’s Nursery. (Wholesale only).

Heaton’s Nursery turns over millions of dollars and has been around for 50 years but, surprisingly, many people don’t know it exists.

Peter Heaton from Heaton’s Nursery traced the company’s deep historical roots in Nambour during an address at at yesterday’s (April 3) Chamber of Commerce Coffee Catch-up at Mill Street Kitchen & Pantry.

“We’ve been around for 50 years,” Peter said, recalling the legacy of his grandfather’s ‘Heaton and Perren Hardware’ in town. “Both my grandmothers were born in Nambour – so this place runs in our blood.”

Nowadays Heatons Nursery specialises in ferns and anthuriums. “We do about 400,000 to 500,000 ferns a year and 200,000 to 300,000 anthuriums,” he said.

“There are businesses like ours in the area that few people would even know exist and would collectively export millions of dollars worth of product outside of the area. So all that income comes back into Nambour.”

The third-generation Heatons Nursery is in its 40th year of supporting the Queensland Garden Show at Nambour Showgrounds where they will again be stallholders this year.

Established in 1974 by Don and Daphne Heaton, the family-owned and operated indoor plant nursery has deep roots in Nambour.

Don and Daphne began with an extensive private collection of ferns, a treasure trove that boasted over 100 varieties of Adiantums, including specimens that had been cherished within the family for generations.

“Catering to the wholesale market, we offer a diverse range of plants in various sizes, ensuring there’s something for every need and preference,” said Peter. “From young plants to hanging baskets, each plant is cultivated with care and expertise.”

• For info go to heatonsnursery.com.au. Heatons Nursery is a wholesale only business with plants available from all plant retail outlets.