A history of Trials Week

The Australian Horticultural Trials has a relatively young history in comparison to the depth of Australia’s horticultural history. Showcasing the best plants and products needed a united effort and in 2001 in combination with Andrew Eason and Fran Coyle from Norwood, John Grafdyk and Ball Australia (Kate Grant), Australian Horticultural Trials predecessor, Hortivations, was born. They were all bemoaning the fact that there was a missed opportunity by the NGIV to show the broader industry of the innovations coming out of Victoria, in a format similar the Pack Trials held in the United States.

Hortivations, held at Ball Australia’s former site in Keysborough, was originally designed for multiple business to present to the wholesale industry the variety of plants and products available. The coming together of multiple businesses at the one site of Ball Australia, to showcase their products, is testament to the strength and unity of the industry. The shared goals of everyone made the event a success for many years.

In 2016 the Australian Horticultural Trials were conceived. The continuation of the event in a new format, with each business showcasing products on their own site, was predestined, with a rich web of growers, producing innovative and quality products, needing a solid platform from which to showcase to the industry. Fundamentally, both events were designed to promote and drive the new varieties that have been sourced locally and internationally, but also to educate and attract, the industry from across the country, on the extensive network of breeders, both locally and internationally.

The relaxed yet professional environment the AHT participants create each year at their sites is perfect for viewing and learning about the quality plants and products and doing business, but also for networking with old and new friends from across the country. Everyone is welcome at AHT. From wholesale growers looking for the next product to add to their schedule to retailers and the horticultural media getting a chance to see the next big thing to hit the shelves and our landscapes.

NGIV is proud to partner with Australia’s top breeders and growers for the Australian Horticultural Trials Week. Trials Week encompasses multiple events at various locations in Victoria showcasing the very latest innovations in container, bedding, indoor and outdoor plants.

We look forward to a fantastic event with on-site experiences and online offerings to enjoy the week wherever you are.

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria

Founded in 1903, Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria Limited is the peak, not-for-profit industry body that represents the state’s horticultural sector.

Within Victoria, NGIV advocates on behalf of over 1,500 committed horticultural business members, but regularly communicates and engages with thousands of horticultural businesses across the country, ranging from small family-based operations to multinational organisations.

Most of the member base covers production wholesale (turf and green life) and retail nurseries, but includes horticulturally allied trades, botanic gardens, educational institutions and other not for profit organisations including Federal, State and local government ‘green’ enterprises. This conservatively represents the interests of a Victorian horticulture industry worth over $2.5 billion and employing more than 24,000 people.

NGIV maintains strong connections with its members and the wider industry, and remains committed to the continued success of Victoria's horticulture industry through events such as The Australian Horticultural Trials Week.