Team Spotlight – Meet Simon

The nursery is shifting into that familiar season of new growth, warmer soil and longer days. Fresh leaves, early colour and the first real lift in the air all signal the start of another busy period. It’s the time of year when the grounds wake up quickly – and when having steady hands-on deck makes all the difference.

It’s also a great moment to spotlight someone who helps keep everything looking sharp…

…Simon works in Production and Tree Care

Simon

He brings a practical, grounded approach shaped by his background in garden maintenance and landscaping. Simon is the person who keeps the nursery tidy, manages weeds before they become a problem and makes sure young trees are cared for as they move through their early Spring flush. He’s hands on, observant and calm, and that steady presence helps the whole team move smoothly through the season.

Acer Temukeyama & Simon 25=35lt Feb 2026 (1)
Acer Temukeyama & Simon 25/35L (Shown in February)

Outside work, Simon enjoys tramping and spending time with his wife and daughter. That connection to the outdoors shows in the way he works – patient, practical and tuned in to how plants respond as the weather warms.

Simon & Thuja smaragd - Walter Peak - Jan 2026 (4)
Simon & Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ – Walter Peak in January

His role sits at the centre of the nursery’s daily rhythm. As Spring growth accelerates, orders increase and new projects begin to roll out, Simon’s organisation and eye for detail help keep the grounds welcoming and the trees in good shape.

Spring is a time of fresh foliage and new structure…

So Simon has chosen a standout favourite for his seasonal pick.

Acer palmatum ‘Osakasuki’

A classic Japanese maple with clear, mid green Spring foliage that holds beautifully through Summer before turning into one of the brightest crimson displays of Autumn. Upright, rounded and full of presence, Osakasuki is a timeless choice for home gardens, feature planting and spaces that benefit from strong seasonal change.

Acer palmatum ‘Osakasuki’ (Shown in May)
Acer osakasuki 35lt May 2025 (2)
Acer osakasuki 35lt Nov 2025 (3)
Acer palmatum ‘Osakasuki’ 35L (Shown in November)
Acer osakasuki Timaru - March 2026 (3)
Acer palmatum ‘Osakasuki’ in Timaru (Shown in March)

Tree of the Month – Kaizuka

Last year Simon featured Juniperus chinensis ‘Kaizuka’ in our Tree of the Month series, sharing why this sculptural, twisting juniper stands out and how to get the best from it in your landscape. Watch the video here: www.youtube.com
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