About Blueskin Nurseries

Mark and Clare Brown bought property in Waitati in 1988 with plans to set up a nursery.

Twenty-One years ago on the site, Blueskin Nurseries moved into a three-bedroomed villa on the Main Road in Waitati. And while it may have appeared out of the way for customers, the Browns believed its location- just a 15 minute drive over the motorway from Dunedin – would attract regular customers from the city, and the surrounding rural communities.

They were proved correct, and as the centre’s reputation for quality trees and plants, top service and knowledge provided became known, it began to grow.

After 15 years the 100 year-old “pink” villa was demolished and replaced with a purpose built shop with a wide selection of garden products and giftware.

Four years ago the Blueskin Café opened, which added a whole new dimension to the business. And just as the centre has become a destination facility so has the café, with motorists dropping in for a hearty breakfast, lunch or the best cup of coffee in town (Organic Fair Trade Coffee). It now also offers cold drinks such as frappes and smoothies.

Blueskin Nurseries has gone from strength to strength during the past 21 years, with the pinnacle to date being named the Best New Zealand Garden Centre 2008-09!

Staff

A little bit about each of our team.

Clare Brown
Clare is the boss. Clare has extensive knowledge of what grows where and what to put in those difficult places. She takes pride in sourcing those hard to find plants. Clare is great at solving your gardening problems and advising you of what to do to cure these problems.

Mark Brown
You will hear Mark before you see him. He is usually busy in the growing nursery or out delivering trees, conveniently stopping for a fish on the way. Mark has a fantastic plant knowledge so ask him all those difficult gardening questions.

Stuart Brown
Stuart has been working at the nursery for 7 years, and is not a relation! He has a great knowledge of plants and a particular interest in trees. In his spare time Stuart is a Dahlia enthusiast. Waikouaiti locals may have seen Stuart behind the scenes in the Amateur Music & Drama Society productions! (And he is the President too).

Sally Brown
And she is a daughter. Sally has just recently returned from living in London for 3 years. Previously to this Sally gained a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University. Sally enjoys helping customers with design and planting ideas.

Kent McKenzie
Kent has been working for Blueskin Nurseries for four years. Previously to working in the garden centre he was in the growing nursery. Kent has an extensive plant knowledge. He will be often found down one of the large tree rows or unloading new stock!

Ferg
He is the latest addition to the Brown Family and you may see him hanging out on the back of the truck, or barking for attention. He enjoys catching white butterflies and loves digging in the potato patch!