Geoff Bailey

In the early 1980s, when he was unable to source the local plants he needed to landscape his large new home garden in Jamberoo, Geoff started the Urban Horticulture Diploma at TAFE, as a night-student while working full time. He quickly realised there was a strong demand for these local Illawarra species, and – being an all or nothing kind of guy – quit his job at Wollongong University, partnered up with equally passionate native plant lover, Kate Malfroy, and threw everything into building up the nursery from a backyard sideline into the thriving, multi-award business it is today.

Although still actively involved in the management of the business, these days he increasingly manages to indulge his other great passion – adventure travel. He loves nothing better than lacing up a pair of walking boots, or strapping on cycling shoes, and setting off for long periods to far flung corners of the globe.