Not many small businesses can claim being in operation for more than 80-years – but that is exactly the achievement of local Glenorie business Camellia Grove Nursery.
The nursery was on show recently for Julian Leeser MP, the Member for Berowra who recently visited the nursery.
The nursery opened in 1939 in St Ives and earned a fine reputation not only for its quality plants, but as a tourist destination for people from all over the world. The nursery was established by the late Professor E.G. Waterhouse, who won international recognition for his research with Camellias.
The Campbell family took on the business in the 1960’s and it is now a third-generation family business with Ross Campbell at the helm and continuing the legacy of providing the highest quality plants. Ross is a Glenorie local with a young family who are involved in the nursery and it is the pride and passion of the dedicated team that has enabled the family business to survive for over 80 years. “At the end of 2004, when I took over the business from my father, I made the decision to move the nursery to our present location in Glenorie.
“We have the space to grow all the plants on site and provide a beautiful location for our customers, many who have followed us from our days at St Ives. In 2017, we opened a café on site – Café Sasanqua – which is operated by well-known local Sonja Best. The café is an exciting addition to our business and the local community,” said Mr Campbell.
Café Sasanqua provides a casual and peaceful dining experience and very quickly established a great reputation within the community. In 2019, it was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Café in the Hills’ award at the Sydney Hills Local Business Awards. Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra, noted the importance of small businesses play in our local community.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of communities like Glenorie.
“Throughout Camellia Grove’s 80 year history they have provided jobs for local people and high quality plants to our community and beyond,” said Julian Leeser MP.
Camellia Grove Nursery and Café Sasanqua are located at 8 Cattai Ridge Road Glenorie. Camellia Grove Nursery specialises in Camellias and Azaleas and supplies Gardenias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons.
Camellia Grove Nursery is open 7 days (9am-4pm). Café Sasanqua is open 6 days: Tuesday-Thursday (9am-3pm) and Friday-Sunday (8am-3.30pm)
