A Breezy Afternoon at The Greenery, Heidelberg Nursery
When our contributor Kathy told me she’d spent a leisurely four hours catching up with a friend at The Greenery in Heidelberg — pottering among plants, enjoying coffee, and picking up a few treasures — I knew it’d make a wonderful feature for anyone looking for a relaxing, green-thumb kind of outing. Here’s the low-down.
The Greenery: A Bit of History
The Greenery at 4 Banksia Street, Heidelberg, has deep roots. It began in 1977, when Barry and Daryl Teese bought a struggling nursery at the site and gradually transformed it into the thriving garden centre it is today.
Over decades, the site evolved: the Emporium building was added in the 1990s, and by the 2000s, The Greenery had become a nationally recognised garden centre. Tragically, Barry Teese passed away in 2020, but the business has stayed in the family. His children carried the torch, and in 2021 the site was rebranded to The Greenery Garden & Home to reflect its broader focus beyond just plants.
Then, in May 2025, the Heidelberg location was formally acquired by the Humphris family, bringing new energy and vision to this beloved local institution.
Kathy’s review
I met a friend, Alison, at the newly reopened Greenery in Bulleen.
We had a long catch-up (4 hours), over fantastic coffee, me a truly memorable caramel tart, she the delectable gluten-free cheesecake. I also brought home two more of their beautiful sweets; in support of local business, you understand.
We were told that their cafe, gift shop and nursery are definitely a favourite long day out, especially for retirees.
A straight-up confession:
In my ongoing effort to support local business, I succumbed. I bought:
- A Phalaenopsis.
- Plus, a new fern for my favourite pot.
- Plus a compulsory poinsettia.
All of which are known to have limited lifespans, so I can’t be held totally responsible should they die.
Then, to continue my philosophy that one is compelled to support the local artists, I crossed the road to the Bulleen Art and Garden Nursery.
One of my plans in retirement was to take up mosaicing (I have boxes of broken crockery ready to go), but these arthritic wrists prevent that idea from ever happening. So I purchased two beautiful, original, hand-made glass mosaics of birds for my wall.
I now feel totally satiated.
And totally guilt-free.
Good friend. Good food. Garden fix. The local artist is pleased.
I shall truly rest well tonight.
What to Expect When You Visit
Kathy’s visit captured the atmosphere perfectly: relaxed, lush and full of little corners to discover.
Here are some of the highlights at The Greenery Garden & Home:
- The Nursery: A carefully curated selection of both native and exotic plants, chosen for their suitability to local climates and garden ideas.
- The Gardens: Themed display areas show creative ways to combine plants, pots and garden materials. These spaces don’t just show what you can buy — they’re there to inspire.
- The Terrace: Undercover and full of life — seedlings, herbs, fruit trees and hanging baskets. There’s also a “picking garden” where visitors can help themselves when in season.
- The Emporium: The heart of the homewares and gift shop. Think rotating art exhibitions, vintage furniture, and charming décor items.
- Café: Inside the Emporium and spilling out onto the Terrace, you’ll find St Remio coffee, light lunches, ice cream from Dulce Gelateria and sweet treats.
- Family-friendly areas: For little ones (or the young at heart), there’s a fairy garden tucked into the nursery, and even a sandy “beach” play space with toy trucks and umbrella-shaded lounging.
- Learning space (“The School in the Pavilion”): Regular workshops, talks and demonstrations on gardening and design. On Sundays at 2pm there are free “Sunday Talks.”
Nearby Gem: Bulleen Art & Garden
If you’re making a day of garden-centre hopping, it’s also worth swinging by Bulleen Art & Garden, which is just across the road from The Greenery’s old Bulleen counterpart.
While The Greenery offers that immersive, lifestyle garden centre feel, BAAG (Bulleen Art & Garden) is more traditional and plant-focused — a great complement.
Getting There & Accessibility Tips
- Opening hours: Generally open 7 days. According to their website, 9 am–5 pm.
- Parking: There’s plenty of parking on-site.
- Mobility access: The centre’s layout is reasonably friendly: wide paths, undercover areas (like The Terrace) for café seating, and indoor spaces in The Emporium. While it’s a sprawling site, most of the key areas are accessible if you take your time.
- Public transport: Depending on where you’re coming from, you could take a train to Heidelberg and then a short taxi or rideshare trip. Given the size of plant purchases, driving might be more convenient — especially if you’re planning to pick up potted plants.
The Greenery
4 Banksia Street, Heidelberg, VIC 3084
(03) 9459 8433
Second location: 126 York Rd, Mt Evelyn VIC 3796
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I am so pleased to see the development of The Greenery. It’s really become a destination. Mum, sister and I visited many years ago. We grew up in the same suburb as the Teese family and knew them from school.
Barry was there that day and he stopped for a bit of a chat. We were in the emporium area and I made the comment about how good a spot to have a coffee after shopping. He was not impressed indicating it would be gimmicky detracting from the garden centre focus.
Oh how wrong could he be.
Congratulations to those who shared my vision. The place looks amazing! Time for another visit.
What a wonderful memory, Liz — thank you for sharing it. It’s lovely to hear about your connection to the Teese family and that moment with Barry all those years ago. You’re right, The Greenery really has evolved into a destination in its own right, and it’s fascinating how perspectives change over time. It certainly sounds like it’s time for another visit. Enjoy!