Margaret River nursery needs keen gardeners to help project sprout

A new nursery project aiming to bring keen gardeners together is calling on green thumbs to help the project bloom. The new Margaret River Community Nursery project is intended to fill a critical gap in the efforts of local conservationists and home gardeners who need tube stock to help their work. One of the faces behind the push is former Shire of Augusta-Margaret River infrastructure director Wayne Prangnell, who was instrumental in stormwater treatment and water recycling protects that achieved Statewide recognition. The engineer-turned-farmer told the Times the proposed new nursery was an opportunity for residents who needed native plants for their waterwise and conservation-minded gardens. “We’re thrilled to launch the Margaret River Community Nursery,” he said. “We’re looking to work with those who want to make a meaningful impact on our local environment. “This nursery is about more than just growing plants, it’s about restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity and building a sustainable future together.” Also on board the community-run project is veteran horticulturist Jeremy Akerman who, with his wife Jackie, established the famed tube nursery in Cowaramup. “We retired at the end of last year and a few concerned individuals got together to see if the work we were doing could be continued,” he said. “My involvement in the community nursery will primarily involve doing the fun stuff: so plant propagation and growing, plus running a few propagation workshops to demonstrate how we did things. “I’m sure people will improve on these methods as time goes by.” The nursery committee is hoping to build a small team of available volunteers who don’t need much experience but a willingness to learn and help nurture the garden in its early stages. To get involved, email mrrenvirocentre@gmail.com.