Business & Rural
19 February, 2026
BEHIND THE BUSINESS: Sustainable stock at Farm Tree nursery
Mr Gregory has reached a new level of patience as he spends time gradually bending and grafting living trees into twisted or shaped masterpieces.
THERE’S more than meets the eye to North Central Farm Trees.
But if you look closely enough in the nursery, you’ll see the creative past life Andrew Gregory once lived.
Behind the love for the environment and sustainable practices - which are equally important in their story - are literal works of art.
Mr Gregory has reached a new level of patience as he spends time gradually bending and grafting living trees into twisted or shaped masterpieces.
“It’s called arborsculpture” he said.
“I was inspired by my grandfather’s love of gardening and his wonderful espaliered fruit trees, so I decided to play with the concept of manipulating tree stems to create different topiary.
“Consepts I have explored in shaping these trees follow an evolutionary path where one thing leads to another. The expression “nothing new under the sun” is most appropriate here as arboscuplture merely seeks to redefine a process that occurs commonly in nature.
But it hasn’t just been for fun.
Mr Gregory has dreamt up exhibits and presented at events across the country, including Sydney in Bloom in 2004, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show Exhibit in 2005.
“It was a wonderful experience, but a lot of work,” Mr Gregory said.
Since opening the business on its current site at Watson’s Lake Road in 1988, the couple has turned a vacant block into a sanctuary - all with sustainable practice.
“Our nursery is a world without registered chemicals and organic principals are followed,” Mr Gregory said.
“Our emphasis has always been on plants and the environment they can create.
Even the simple practice of surrounding a home with trees can reduce the temperature in your environment and save money on utilities.
The couple have also used their knowledge to help local organisations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
“We noticed that the St Arnaud Secondary School had their air conditioning boxes out in full sun, so they were working hard to cool down,” Mr Gregory said.
“Just simply having them in the shade would make so much difference.”
They also walk the walk, using recycled water and rainfall only to produce their plants.
North Central Farm Trees is the perfect place for people of any gardening ability.
Whether they’re just starting out or need some advice on your next patch of vegetables, the Gregory’s, along with their team, will be there to provide advice.
Visit from Wednesday to Sunday or call 5495 2950 for more.
Read More: St Arnaud