73 Heaths Rd. Hoppers Crossing, Vic 3029, Phone: 03 9005 7569, Mobile: 0412 134 047
How It Started
I started collecting cacti plants in early 1980's. In mid-1980's I started buying seeds from local and overseas cactus seeds dealers. In 1989 I have written to a well-known cactus seeds collector in Mexico, requesting some cactus seeds. He sent me much more than I could use. A friend suggested advertising them for sale in a gardening magazine, which I did. The seeds were sold within a few weeks and people were asking for more. After writing letters to some other cactus seeds collectors, nurseries, private collectors, cactus clubs and societies, etc., I established a network of suppliers in Australia and overseas, providing me with a great choice of numerous species, varieties and forms of cacti. I encouraged my customers to send me their "wish lists" and I would hunt for the seeds of the species they were interested in. More often than not, I would get them, even though several times it has taken me a few years. (But getting some species into Australia is impossible, because they are classified by AQIS as weeds.) Through the years the number of regular customers grew. Most of them commented very favourably on the germination rate, quality of the seeds, etc, which helped me to weed out the unreliable suppliers. The reputation for the quality of seeds, ever increasing number of species on the seed list, prompt responses to requests for seed lists or for seeds made me the top cactus seeds dealer in Australia just six years after the first offer. In 2001, with almost 3700 cactus species on my list, I had the biggest cactus seeds list in the world, though others were offering a much larger selection of succulent seeds. Since 2004 my lists have the biggest selection of cactus AND succulents seeds hovering at about 7,000 names (Last year it was a staggering 8,300 items and I had a chance to have over 9000 names this season), while the second largest list is hovering around 6,200 names.
The seed list could be much bigger, but AQIS regulations prevent me from importing numerous genera and species of cacti. On my list there are "prohibited imports", but are supplied by local growers. Those seeds were harvested from plants imported to this country before any restrictions were introduced.In the last few years the sales were increasing beyond my expectations. I contribute it to more and more severe restrictions on water uses, which I believe will be getting harsher. Last financial year's sales were amazing – after my health food business was shut down by TGA, seeds sales were keeping me alive. It felt like God taketh with one hand and giveth with the other. Perhaps it was meant to be.
Next year in October I will be a pensioner so I am now considering an offer for this business.The seeds list is smaller this year then last year, but still the biggest in the world. After the house fire I didn't dare to orders the expensive seeds - I wasn't sure what the insurance payout will be and when. By the time the claim was settled, it was so late in season with the overseas suppliers that most of the sought after seeds were gone. Still I am happy that I am able to offer you some 7,600 items.