NOW we’re in the swing of spring, it’s time to get those green thumbs back into the garden. Here’s a group of people who can help create a green space in any environment.

NOW we’re in the swing of spring, it’s time to get those green thumbs back into the garden. 

Throughout Canberra there are a variety of businesses to help people get their garden in shape.

Whether it’s landscape design, plant hire or colourful pots and equipment, “CityNews” spoke with the people who can help create a green space in any environment.

Family landscape supplier grows from humble beginnings

FAMILY business Corkhill Bros aims to incorporate the family ethics and values in its day-to-day business operations, says co-founder Brian Corkhill. 

From humble beginnings with a few trucks in 1954, Corkhill Bros now provides landscaping materials to the public, as well as green waste recycling services.

Corkhill Bros’ commercial operations include chipping, screening, grinding, processing, bulk production and special blend production as requested. 

Then its waste side has services such as the hire of skip bins of various sizes and recycling of drop off and kerbside garden organics.

And now, at the Mitchell depot “there is a new and exciting range of exterior gardening pots,” says Brian.

The family-owned business started with Brian and his brother Patrick, who established Corkhill Bros after the family dairy farm was removed to make way for the construction of Lake Burley Griffin. 

“We strive to create a workforce of hardworking, committed, trustworthy and loyal employees that promote this culture,” Brian says.

Through its multi-faceted operations Brian says the company’s intention is to successfully extract, process and deliver its products to meet the needs of varied target markets, both residential and commercial.

Corkhill Bros’ landscaping supply outlets are located at Mugga Lane, Symonston and Darling Street, Mitchell. Ordering is also available online.

Corkhill Bros, 33 Darling Street, Mitchell. Call 6241 8860 or visit corkhillbros.com.au

Plants, pots, furniture and everything in between

LIVING Simply began as a commercial indoor plant hire company in Pialligo more than 30 years ago to enhance shopping centres, government departments and commercial office spaces, says owner Graham Holbrook.

“Over the years, the business has evolved and expanded to offer the public a superb range of indoor-outdoor decorator and feature plants, decor pots, water features, garden furniture and so on,” he says.

“Today, Living Simply provides a full interior/exterior property styling, landscape consultation, design, build and maintenance services for either pre-property sale or to completely upgrade and enhance your home for your personal enjoyment.

“Of course, our boutique retail store in Pialligo gives us the ability to choose from a vast array of home and garden decorator items.

“You can either do it yourself or have a consultant/designer visit your home to discuss the enhancement process.”

Graham says they can complete the work, whether that be simply a styling process for a balcony or courtyard, or a complete customised landscape design.

“Please feel free to make contact with one of our professionals to assist your next project.”

Living Simply, 10 Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6249 1552 or visit livingsimply.com.au

Warmer weather brings people to nursery

COOL Country Natives stocks the largest range of native Australian plants in the ACT and surrounds, says owner Karen Brien.

“We’ve moved out of winter and it’s definitely nice warmer weather now, it’s a really good time for planting,” she says.

Her dedicated team of knowledgeable staff say they’re happy to talk to customers and help them with any queries.

“We go out of our way to help people find the right plant for the right spot; we’re attentive and we know what stock is in the nursery,” she says.

“Shoppers can find groundcovers, grasses, ferns, climbers and small-to-large shrubs and trees such as acacia, banksia, crowea, daisies, ferns and grevillea.

“There is lots in the nursery, plenty of variety and it is the peak time for flowers.”

Karen says everyone is welcome at the next market day, to be held on November 5.

“We know how it grows and what it requires,” she says.

Karen says opening hours have changed now to 8.30am to 4.30pm seven days a week – except public holidays – to make it more consistent for customers.

“Our growth from humble beginnings has been steady and reliable and assures us of the popularity of native plants in our area.”

Cool Country Natives, 5A Beltana Road, Pialligo. Call 6257 6666 or visit coolcountrynatives.com.au

Gift shop highlights all that Australia offers

WOMBAT Cards and Gifts is a small family business started by Monica and John Rolls in 2015.

“We started as a small market stall selling homemade greeting cards that I started making when I retired,” says Monica.

And, while Monica says she loved that markets gave her a chance to see more of Australia, and she loved meeting all the interesting people along the way, it was time to put down some roots closer to home, and opened the Wombat Cards and Gifts store front in Belconnen in July.

“We have plenty of ornaments and garden accessories,” says Monica.

“We offer windmills in three sizes, garden stakes that sit in the garden or pot plants and have little animals on top, lots of rusty metal or aluminium wall art, I have some cassowaries and emus and pelicans that stand up, or antique looking bird cages.

“We also offer cards, children’s books, puppets and plush animals, coasters and gifts.”

Monica says she loves what she does, and loves introducing people to Australian animals.

“I love the Australian animals, I just think they’re so unique and I love expressing my joy through the store. It makes me feel happy when people come in and see the products that we have.”

Wombat Cards and Gifts, Shop 2 31/35 Nettlefold Street, Belconnen. Call 0423 786222, or visit wombatcardsandgifts.com.au