TONY'S TIPS

Make the Most of Autumn!

March 04, 2024

Summer is officially over but in many ways this is the best time of the year in Melbourne. Long sunny days and nights that become more crisp as the season progresses are perfect for many of our favourite plants. Easter is coming up at the end of the month. We will be closed for Good Friday but open from 8am to 5pm every other day of the long weekend. It's a great time to get some gardening done! Tony's Tips March 2024 I’m always glad to see autumn with its lovely weather, it is kinder to the garden and gardeners.If...

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Spend February in the Garden!

January 26, 2024

We've had some hot weather as well as plenty of rain and cooler days this summer and many plants are looking all the better for it! This may be the last month of summer but it certainly isn't the end of warm weather here in Melbourne. We're open from 8am to 5pm as usual today. We hope to see you in the nursery! Tony's Tips February 2024 We've reached the final month of a slightly cooler and wetter summer than usual. This has been ideal weather for gardening and planting as new plants can settle in without getting burnt. Echinacea...

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Happy New Year from Acorn!

December 29, 2023

What a fantastic time of the year to be out in the garden! Our tomato harvest is just getting started and will be sure to pick up steam over the month. Many other plants are also showing off their very best flowers!Acorn Nursery is open from 9am to 5pm until the 5th of January but closed on New Years Day. From Friday the 5th, we'll be back to our regular hours of 8am to 5pm. The Oaks Cafe will also reopen on the 5th! Happy New Year from everyone at Acorn Nursery and The Oaks Cafe. We hope to see...

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Merry Christmas from Acorn!

November 30, 2023

All of a sudden summer is here and Christmas is around the corner! Read on for a few Christmas gift suggestions plus Tony's tips for a spectacular garden this month!Acorn Nursery will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. From all of us here at Acorn Nursery and The Oaks Cafe, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! The Acorn Gift Guide  Food and Beverage Gifts Barbeque Grill Master Collection - $55 What could be a better accompaniment to Christmas lunch than a selection of delicious mustards, chutneys and sauces? There's no need...

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A Long Weekend in the Garden!

November 03, 2023

The weather this weekend is looking perfect for gardening and we can't wait to get out there. This is the best and easiest time to plant a veggie garden, prepare your garden for a Christmas display, or just generally enjoy being surrounded by greenery. Acorn Nursery and The Oaks Cafe will be open with normal operating hours over the Melbourne Cup weekend. The nursery is open from 8am to 5pm every day. The Cafe is open from 8am to 5pm on weekends and 8am to 4pm on weekdays. We hope to see you soon! Tony's Tips November 2023 We've reached...

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Heating Up in the Garden!

October 19, 2023

This warm start to spring has woken up the garden and everything is looking great! This is our favourite time of the year to spend time in the nursery as everything is so full of life and just raring to go. If your garden isn't bringing you joy, don't fear! Our team of experts are ready and waiting to help you find the perfect plants. Hope to see you soon! Vintage Wooden Corner Shelf - $1,295 Do you have a corner in need of brightening up? This expertly handcrafted vintage shelf is angled to fit! It also has a beautiful patina...

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Celebrating the Arrival of Spring and Indian Treasures!

September 03, 2023

Spring has spung! The weather is slowly warming up and our gardens are coming out of their winter slumber. We love watching the blossom buds burst each year in the nursery and we can't wait for the riot of colour they herald. We've had another amazing shipment of treasures arrive from India just last week! It's almost impossible to choose a favourite item but check out a few of them below. We're unpacking new things every day so be sure to visit us in store to see for yourself! Blue Vintage Low Cabinet - $1,995 A beautifully weathered low cabinet...

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Prepare for Spring

July 29, 2023

Spring is just around the corner and even showing a few early signs! Magnolias are starting to bloom, tulips are poking through the soil and everything is starting to wake up. This is the perfect time to make sure your garden will be absolutely gorgeous this spring. Keep an eye out because we also have a new shipment of treasures arriving from India soon! We can't wait to unpack the handmade furniture, vintage copper and brass, and other curios! Tony's Tips August 2023 It’s almost spring! Blossom season has arrived with Plums, Almonds and Magnolias flowering and roses are shooting...

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Spring Gardens Start in Winter!

June 30, 2023

Mid winter can be quiet in the garden, but it's also an opportunity to prepare for warmer weather. A little bit of preparation now will make all the difference come spring!We're thrilled to announce that our donations to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre have reached over $100,000! We ask for a gold coin donation for gift wrapping and the total for this is now $68,898.50. Combined with $31,500 from Acorn Nursery, we have been able to give $100,398.50. Thank you for your contribution to this fantastic cause. Tony's Tips  July 2023 July sees us past the shortest day of the...

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It's Rose Pruning Time!

June 02, 2023

It's easy to think of winter as a time when not much is happening in the garden but that doesn't have to be true! Many plants, including natives, hellebores, and camellias are at their absolute best over the next few months. Even for the less active plants, this is the best time to be giving them a bit of love. This is the perfect time of year for a lot of planting, pruning and feeding. A little preparation now will make all the difference in spring and summer! Tony's annual rose pruning demonstration will be on at 10 am this...

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Celebrate Mother's Day at Acorn!

April 28, 2023

Autumn has reached its final month with a little burst of lovely, bright weather. This is the perfect time for any major planting you might have planned, as well as a great opportunity to brighten up the garden for winter. Mother's Day is just around the corner so we've put together a little guide of things she will love. If you don't see the right thing for your mum, pop by! Our team of experts are ready to help you find the perfect gift every time. The Oaks Cafe is taking bookings for Mother's Day Brunch, Lunch and in between...

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Now is the best time of year for planting!

April 04, 2023

Autumn is in full swing and we are loving the transition into crisp weather and cool weather gardening. We know the crossing work at Surrey Hills and Mont Albert stations can make it a little tricky to get to us but rest assured, we have plenty of parking. We think the beauty of the nursery at this time of year is well worth the trip. You can also always shop online or over the phone and delivery is available. We will be closed on Good Friday next week, but open from 8am to 5pm as usual for the rest of...

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Autumn Looks Good on Us!

March 08, 2023

After a slow start and some scorching days, summer has come to an end. Autumn is here! We often think that autumn is when Melbourne is at its most beautiful. The days are long, the weather is mild and many plants are putting on a show before winter. Perfect for spending time in the garden! Tony's Tips March 2023 It’s always nice to see the start of autumn, which brings with it milder weather and a change in available stock. New season azaleas, daphnes, cyclamen, pansies and violas are available to plant now for cool season colour and perfume. With...

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Here's to a New Year in the Garden!

January 03, 2023

Would you look at that, it's a brand new year! We had a cool and damp start to the summer but the hot weather has well and truly arrived and gardens are looking lush!We're open from 9am to 5pm every day until the 5th of January, when we will return to our usual 8am to 5pm hours. The Oaks Cafe will also be reopening on the 5th!This is the time to enjoy the results of your work over the winter and spring. However, if your garden still needs a little something, our team of qualified horticulturalists are always here to...

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Merry Christmas from Acorn!

December 05, 2022

Somehow another year has flown by and we've made it to the festive season! This is the perfect time of year to be out in the garden as the results of your work will pay off in flowers and veggies for months to come.We've put together a little gift guide to help you with your Christmas shopping and our team of expert staff are always on hand to find the perfect thing for even the most hard to buy for recipient!The Nursery will be open as usual from 8am to 5pm every day until Christmas, then closed Christmas Day, Boxing...

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Summer Gardens Are Not Far Off!

October 28, 2022

It may still be cool and wet but we are entering the last month of spring and our gardens are well and truly waking up! We'll be open all weekend and on Melbourne Cup Day. This is a great opportunity to get your garden looking gorgeous as the festive season is just around the corner! Come in and see us, our qualified team of horticulturalists will be happy to assist you with anything your garden needs. Tony's Tips November 2022 Welcome to the last month of what has been a very wet and fairly cool spring so far. Hydrangeas are...

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October Means Growth!

September 30, 2022

We may be in the second month of spring but this is when things really get going in the garden! Whether you want to grow your own veggies, plant something special, or just update things with some annual colour, now is the time to do it.  Tony's Tips  October 2022 This is the time for growth! There is so much happening this month with roses flowering and veggie and herb seedlings ready to go in the ground. We have over 40 varieties of tomatoes and a wide range of chillies, as well as an expanding range of new season perennials....

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A Long Awaited Spring

September 02, 2022

Spring is finally here! A chill is still in the air and many trees are still bare but the signs are there if you look! Now is the time to come out of hibernation and into the garden. No matter the size of your garden, our team of experts are here to help you make it come to life with flowers, foliage and veggies!  Tony's Tips  September 2022 It’s spring! The most exciting time of the year! Every day brings change with lush new foliage and blossom everywhere. All that growth must be sustained so feeding gardens, lawns and potted plants...

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Spring is Just Around the Corner!

August 01, 2022

It certainly doesn’t feel like it but our gardens are telling us that spring is on the way! Magnolias are always the first to bloom and ours are in bud and starting to put on a show. Many deciduous plants, including roses, are also sending out fresh new shoots. Slowly but surely, things are starting to wake up! If you’ve been thinking about planting larger trees, this is the very best time to do it. No matter your gardening project, our team of horticulturalists are here with expert advice and planting suggestions. Tony's Tips August 2022 August may be the...

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Cultivate Winter Warmth in the Garden

July 01, 2022

This frosty weather might make us feel like all of Melbourne is hibernating along with our gardens but passing the shortest day of the year means that spring is not far off! We like to take advantage of this time to plant large trees and start planning for new growth. A little bit of gardening is a great way to keep warm outside! Tony's Tips July 2022 We have passed the shortest day of the year, which in my mind is the quietest point in the annual horticultural cycle. The early bulbs are flowering, the early blossom will start this...

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It's Rose Pruning Time!

May 27, 2022

Winter is upon us and many plants are entering a period of dormancy. This doesn't mean our gardens have to be boring, many plants love the cooler temperatures!  Winter is also a great time to get things done in the garden. Tony has some excellent advice for pruning roses below but if you need a little more help, don't stress! Our famous rose pruning demonstrations are back over the Queen's Birthday long weekend. Join us at 10am on Sunday the 12th and Monday the 13th of June for an in-depth demonstration and discussion of pruning all types of roses. Pearl...

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Happy Mother's Day from Acorn!

April 29, 2022

Mother's Day is fast approaching so we've put together a guide with a few special things we think mum will love. Whether she's an avid gardener or just deserves a little pampering, we have something for every mum.The Oaks Cafe is now taking bookings for Mother's Day with sittings at 8am, 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Give them a call on 98907107 to ensure you don't miss out!To all mothers, caregivers and maternal figures, we wish you a joyful and relaxing Mother's Day on May 8th.  Mother's Day Gift Guide The Nurture Trio - $45 Treat mum to a nurturing set...

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Autumn is the Time to Plant

April 01, 2022

Welcome to the April newsletter. Mid-autumn is always a beautiful time in Melbourne. The weather is very pleasant and our gardens are loving it! Coming up this month we have school holidays - a perfect time to get the kids into the garden. A great way to pique their interest is to let them choose something to plant and take care of. Nothing more satisfying than flowers or veggies you grew yourself! As a little heads up, we will be closed on Good Friday this year but open every other day of the Easter long weekend. Happy gardening! Tony's Tips...

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Step into Autumn

March 04, 2022

It could be said that Melbourne is at its most beautiful in autumn. We still have the last remnants of summer and the crisp mornings and sunny days make for a lovely combination. if you're thinking of doing any major work in the garden, now is the time! Our team of horticulturalists are always on hand to advise you on exactly what your garden needs. We're still unpacking our latest container of vintage and hand crafted treasures from India. Keep your eyes peeled as more is revealed! Tony's Tips March 2022 A change in season always brings with it a...

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Enjoy the Fruits and Flowers of Summer

February 01, 2022

February may be the last month of summer but it certainly isn't the end of warm weather here in Melbourne. Our veggie gardens are going full tilt, flowers are blooming everywhere, and they should continue well into autumn. If you feel like your garden is not done with the season, it's not too late to plant all sorts of veggies and instant colour!Keep an eye out next week, our long awaited shipment of furniture, homewares and interesting treasures is finally arriving! Limited Edition Madison Candle - $44.95 The classic Ecoya Madison Candle is now available in two delicious limited edition...

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A New Year in the Garden

January 02, 2022

Well, we've all made it to a new year! January is the perfect time to relax a little and appreciate the warm weather, bright flowers and fresh veggies. Just remember our plants need to stay hydrated as much as we do!Many of us have put a lot of effort into the garden over the last few years. Here's to a 2022 spent enjoying the results of our labour. Petunia Night Sky Night Sky Petunias have an incredibly distinctive starry sky pattern that is sure to stand out! They are as easy to care for as other petunias and are perfect...

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Merry Christmas from Acorn!

December 03, 2021

Well what a year it has been! A year that seemed to both last a lifetime and go by in a moment. Through it all we have been grateful to be able to spend time in our gardens.A lot of that work is starting to pay off now as the weather warms up. Summer colour is everywhere and an abundance of garden fresh veggies is just around the corner!From all of us here at Acorn Nursery and the Oaks Cafe, we wish you a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. The Acorn Gift Guide Hydrangeas The perfect gift to...

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Celebrating Spring in the Garden!

October 29, 2021

What a joy it is to be able to open our doors to you again after so long! Rather appropriately, the end of lockdown has coincided with many of the plants in the nursery and our gardens coming into bloom. Perhaps they're celebrating too! Our team are ready to help you with all your garden needs and we must say the nursery is looking gorgeous. The Oaks Cafe is also open, with plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor dining.  Tony's Tips November 2021 It’s been the wettest, coolest start to the season that I can remember for years but...

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Prepare for Growth in Spring

October 01, 2021

You might not think it from the rather damp weather we've been having but October is when things really start to get going in the garden. We've had the slow build of blossom and the first green shoots and now we're on to the serious business of growing, blooming and fruiting! We are still open every day from 9 am to 5 pm for pick up and delivery of online and phone orders. Orders are generally filled within an hour of being placed. Every order is a lot of work from our team so we appreciate your understanding of our...

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Spring has Sprung!

September 03, 2021

We're all a bit disappointed to still be in lockdown but at least the weather is warming up and spending time outdoors and in the garden is even more enjoyable! Early spring is all about those first signs of new life as the blossom is followed by young leaves and more flowers. This is a great time to appreciate the natural world slowly waking up and getting going. Our plants and gardens will be going full speed before we know it! Our new delivery of vintage and handmade treasures has arrived from India! This vintage copper pot is handmade and...

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Out of Lockdown and into the Garden!

July 30, 2021

Here we are again coming out of lockdown and hoping it'll be the last time! We always love spending time in the garden but there's something about that fresh-out-of-lockdown feeling that makes us appreciate it even more. This is a great time to make the most of the last of the cold weather—do any major planting you have planned and enjoy the hints of spring just around the corner! Every piece in our exclusive range of handmade vintage copper and brass pots is unique. We find that there's one to suit every interior design style and we're always thinking of...

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Prune, Plant and Prepare your Garden for Spring!

July 02, 2021

It might still feel like the dead of winter but having passed the solstice, our plants and gardens are well on their way to spring blossom and new growth. Any work you put into your garden now will pay dividends when the weather warms up. You'll be very glad you pruned, planted and prepared! The Hand Rejuvenation Duo is a nourishing and cleansing set to nurture skin and protect it from the winter chill. Includes both an SLS-free hydrating hand wash and botanically rich hand and cuticle cream to keep hands hydrated and moisturised. Our new overcoats are the perfect...

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