Native Grace at Robertson – launched by Kiama Down’s Luke and Catheryn Maitland two years ago – has been named the Best Small Retail Nursery in NSW/ACT by the peak industry body.

They have breathed life into a 60 year old garden centre at the eastern end of Robertson, which had been closed for ten years, by making it into a hub for native plants. 

“It is an honor to be recognised by the industry for all the hard work the team have put into the nursery over the last 12 months,” says Luke.

“Having launched in November 2020 we’ve had major challenges, including COVID and floods, so it’s a great way to end the year on a high winning this award.

“We’d like to thank the Nursery Garden Industry NSW ACT for this award and for their support and efforts – it’s really terrific to have such a strong industry body who supports businesses.”

Catheryn and Luke Maitland

The couple have also had to cope with access to their business being difficult – for them and their customers on the coast – due to the closure of first Macquarie Pass and now Jamberoo Mountain Road.

“We are so proud of them for what they have achieved,” says Catheryn’s mother, Rita Sullivan of Knickerboxers.

Luke’s father, former councillor and environmental champion Richard Maitland, attended the award ceremony with him as Catheryn was home with a new baby.

According to the judge, the Maitlands “have created a little gem of a place at Robertson. It is a clean, neat, tidy and impeccably presented garden centre. 

“It has a design studio creating sustainable Australian native gardens for clients, a gift shop focusing on Australian products and bush foods, and in addition there is an onsite café van. The stock is top quality and it is a winner in so many ways.” 

The judge said they were most impressed with the dedication for perfection in every aspect of the business.