For over 30 years, Oxley Nursery has been a cornerstone of the Brisbane gardening community, offering rare plants at competitive prices. Did you know that this beloved destination of local plant enthusiasts will soon be closing for good?
Read: Get Rare and Unusual Plants at Oxley Nursery
Owner Andy Roy recently announced the nursery’s impending closure through a heartfelt video posted on the business’s Facebook page. The primary reason for this decision is Mr Roy’s retirement, as he approaches his 60th birthday next year.
“I’m truly sorry for any upset that this might cause,” Mr Roy said in the video, acknowledging the impact this news may have on the community.
He explained that his parents’ increasing need for care and attention, coupled with his desire for more “family-focused” time, influenced his decision to retire. Mr Roy is looking forward to welcoming grandchildren and relocating to the Sunshine Coast after three decades of living on Dowding Street.
The nursery is set to close on or before the end of October 2024. However, Mr Roy hasn’t ruled out the possibility of continuing the business at a different location and is open to suggestions from the community.
Reflecting on his time at Oxley Nursery, Mr Roy expressed gratitude for the relationships built with customers over the years, from garden consultation clients to passionate plant collectors who frequently visited the nursery. “It really has been an amazing time,” he said, thanking customers for their support and describing the experience as “a joy.”
Oxley Nursery has long been renowned as one of Brisbane’s go-to destinations for rare plants at excellent prices. The expansive garden centre boasts a diverse selection of cacti, succulents, fruit trees, palm trees, and exotic flowers.
As the nursery prepares to wind down operations, they announced plans for a closing down sale, with plants offered at 30-50 percent off. Customers are encouraged to “grab a bargain or two” before the final closure. More detailed plans for the wrap-up at Dowding Street will be announced in the coming days.
The news of the closure has elicited an outpouring of sentiment from loyal customers on social media. One customer wrote, “We always say you are the best nursery on the south side. Very sad to know you are closing down soon.” Another added, “Sobbing. I’ve bought so many of my plants from this beautiful place over the years.”
While the nursery’s closure marks the end of an era, some customers have chosen to focus on the positive, with one commenting, “Congratulations on your retirement but very sad to see the end of an era. Love the amazing oasis that you have created.”
As for the future of the site, it has been sold and is reportedly slated to become a new residential housing project, further underscoring the changes coming to the area.
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The closure of Oxley Nursery serves as a poignant reminder of the impact small businesses can have on their communities. As Brisbane loses one of its most beloved plant havens, gardeners and plant enthusiasts will undoubtedly cherish the memories and the green treasures they have acquired over the years from this local institution.
Published 1-August-2024