Woodside Plants is an online nursery focused on growing plants that are both beautiful and resilient. We specialise in ornamental grasses and perennials—low-input, high-impact plants that thrive in challenging climates and bring lasting structure and texture to gardens.
Our plants are grown outdoors, exposed to the elements, and selected for their performance in real-world conditions. The majority are frost hardy, making them well-suited to a wide range of Australian landscapes.
Since 2010, we've been growing in Gloucester, a small rural town on the Barrington Coast of New South Wales. Here, our plants are tested by nature—from sub-zero winters to scorching summers in the mid-40s. Our heavy clay soils swing between cracking dry and waterlogged, depending on the season. Only the toughest, most adaptable plants thrive here—and those are the plants we offer.
Our Story
Rooted in knowledge. Grown with purpose.
At Woodside Plants, we believe in the lasting impact of well-chosen plants and well-designed landscapes. Founded by husband-and-wife team Rob and Jo Willis, our nursery is built on decades of combined experience in horticulture, landscape design, and environmental consulting.
A Foundation of Expertise
Rob holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master’s in Agriculture. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked extensively across residential, commercial, and public projects, offering planting design and landscape consultation. After many years managing a boutique nursery, Rob now leads Woodside Plants, providing high-quality plants and expert guidance to gardeners and landscape professionals across Australia.
Jo’s background in business evolved into a career rooted in horticulture and design. With qualifications in both Landscape Design and Arboriculture, she has worked across Australia and New Zealand on a wide variety of projects—from boutique residential gardens to large-scale heritage sites. Her work is informed by a deep understanding of both plants and place.
Together, Rob and Jo bring a practical, thoughtful approach to growing and selecting plants that elevate spaces of all kinds. At Woodside Plants, every plant is chosen with design, longevity, and landscape performance in mind.