Why We Need to Rethink the Way We Value Plants
When a plant dies, what’s the first thing we blame?
The plant itself. It wasn’t strong enough. It wasn’t meant for this climate. It just wasn’t a ‘good’ plant.
But have we ever stopped to ask:
Was the soil right?
Was it planted correctly?
Did it get the nutrients it needed?
Was it given the right care at the right time?
In reality, when a plant doesn’t thrive, it’s rarely the plant’s fault. It can be just lack of knowledge that leads to failure.
This is where the real issue lies: we aren’t just undervaluing plants. We’re undervaluing the expertise required to care for them properly.
The Hidden Costs of Every Plant
Some people see a plant on a shelf and assume its journey started with a cutting and some water. In reality, getting that plant to you is an investment of time, money, and knowledge:
Plant Breeding & Trials
It can take years of research and thousands of dollars to develop a plant that is resilient, beautiful, and commercially viable. Many plants never make it past trials, meaning growers bear the cost of failure before success. This isn’t just true for new plant releases—many Australian natives are incredibly difficult to propagate, and it can take years before they are commercially viable. Some native species require highly specific conditions for germination, while others have low success rates in propagation, meaning extensive trial and error is required before they can be sold in nurseries. Growers invest in these plants long before they ever see a return, and often entire species are abandoned due to the cost and difficulty of making them viable for the market.
Patents, Breeding Rights & Labels
The legalities behind plants can cost thousands, yet this is rarely discussed. Ever wonder why some plants are more expensive? Because they have undergone rigorous testing, licensing, and production costs. There are even laws surrounding the reselling of them. Some plants can only be sold once they reach a certain size or with a specific label. Others are protected under strict propagation laws—meaning cuttings cannot legally be taken and resold. Additionally, some plant labels, particularly those for certified varieties, are expensive to produce and contribute to the overall cost of the plant.
Propagation & Growing Costs
Plants require specialised care, including the right soil blends, fertilisers, and controlled environments.
Transport & Logistics
Moving plants is complex. If done incorrectly, entire shipments can be lost, adding to the cost.
Retail & Maintenance
Even once a plant reaches a nursery, it still requires expert care until it finds a home.
And yet, when a plant is priced higher than expected, people balk. Why? Because the industry has done a poor job of educating consumers about the real value of plants.
Stop Googling, Start Trusting Experts
In an age where information is at our fingertips, many assume a quick Google search is enough to make them an expert in plant care. But the reality is, Google doesn’t know your specific soil conditions, your climate variations, or your personal garden environment—a local trained horticulturist should.
There are some plant retailers that sell plants as commodities, stripping away the value of professional advice. When people buy plants from these places, they often struggle, leading to disappointment and disillusionment with gardening altogether.
It’s Time to Shift the Conversation
Horticulture is a trade, not a hobby. Just like electricians, mechanics, and builders, horticulturists are trained professionals with years of knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, in Australia, over the last ten years, our training has started to lose its depth and rigor. However, there are still dedicated professionals within the trade who have a passion for continuous learning, always seeking to expand their expertise and update their skills.
Plants are an investment, not a disposable product. They require care, expertise, and the right conditions to thrive. Unfortunately, plants are often treated as an afterthought, especially in landscaping. Too often, we see million-dollar homes designed with meticulous attention to detail, only to have their landscapes thrown together with $10 worth of plants and no consideration for soil health, climate, or long-term growth. Plants are not just decorative accessories; they are living organisms that require proper planning, the right foundation, and ongoing care to truly enhance a space. Without investing in the right soil, appropriate plant selection, and expert advice, these rushed landscapes inevitably fail, leading to wasted money, frustration, and a cycle of replacing plants rather than cultivating a thriving, sustainable environment.
Education is key to success. Instead of relying on quick online answers, seek expert advice from those who truly understand plants and how they grow in your environment. If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘That sounds like too much effort,’ don’t worry—it’s not. With the right advice, gardening can be simple, effective, and even enjoyable. The key is to start with good information, tailored to your specific conditions, so you’re setting yourself up for success from the beginning. With expert guidance, growing and maintaining plants doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it can be a rewarding and effortless part of your daily life.
Next time you pick up a plant, consider it an investment, not just in your garden, but in the expertise and years of research behind it.
Trial and error can be a fun learning curve as sometimes pushing the boundaries can lead to exciting discoveries. One of my favourite sayings is, 'Prove me wrong'! I can give you all the advice, but if you manage to make something thrive in the 'wrong' place, that’s an achievement worth celebrating! However, for the best chance of success, seeking advice from trained professionals can save you time, effort, and frustration. We genuinely want to help you make the right choices so your plants thrive and bring you joy. So instead of always relying on trial and error, seek advice from trained professionals who genuinely want to help you succeed.
Plants aren’t "just plants." They are the result of knowledge, passion, and science. Let’s start treating them that way.