Nursery expansion from landscaping

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 503, 14 September 1993, Page 7

Nursery expansion from landscaping

Craig and Leigh Ryland's plant nursery in Ameku Road, Raetihi, has attracted a large following of clientele in its first two weeks of business - so many in fact, that the couple are hard pressed to keep up with the demand. "The response has been great", stated Leigh. "The locals are buying up our stock as fast as we get it in." The couple opted into the nursery as a side-line to Craig' s thriving landscaping business that takes him as far afield as Wellington. Keeping the nursery stocked involves making regular trips to suppliers in Rotorua, Te Awamutu, New Plymouth - in fact,

anywhere there may be bargains to be found. The couple may spend up to $2000 at one nursery. A huge variety of ypung trees, shrubs and ground-cover plants jostle for position on the Ryland's driveway - a number specifically ordered by customers. The main objective, according to Craig, is supplying quality shrubs and trees at a reasonable price to his local customers. Craig has developed a reputation as a shrewd buyer and on more than one occasion has left a nursery emptyhanded, simply because they failed to deliver a discount. The pride and joy of the curent stock is a batch of Exbury hybrid Azaleas

- purchased for "a steal" from a regular supplier. A limited number of the high-quality plants are for retail sale, with the remainder finding a home in the Rylands' section which boasts over 350 established shrubs and trees. Azaleas - a family favourite - feature strongly among these, with over 100 specimens on display.

While Craig 's forte is trees and shrubs, Leigh' s speciality is perennials, with a wide range of plants in stock for retail sale. The nursery is open weekends and public holidays, so as not to interfere with Craig 's regular business and to fit in with Leigh' s full-time teacher's position at Ruapehu College.