Established in 1970’s in the beautiful bayside suburb of Sandringham, Bay Road Nursery has developed as not only one of Victoria’s premier garden centres but is well known throughout Australia as a leader of garden retailing.

David was drawn to the industry because of his love of plants and gardens discovered during his first part-time job at a production nursery. This passion grew as he completed an apprenticeship in horticulture at a retail garden centre and then 25 years later along with this wife Gillian, had the opportunity to buy Bay Road Nursery. David and Gillian Howard purchased the business in 1991 and it quickly bloomed to became known for quality plants, stylish homeware and gift lines.

Ten years later the property next door was purchased, and the Bay Road Café was established. A café in a garden centre was not common at this time and added beautifully to the Bay Road Nursery experience. The Bay Café proved very popular with an ever-changing menu of great food in the beautiful setting of plants and trees.

David’s passion for plants and garden retailing has grown to be a passion for the horticulture industry and the people involved in this industry. David has held many roles within the Garden and Nursery Industry on a state and national level including the role of board member, Vice President and President of the Garden & Nursery Industry of Victoria.

Not content to sit on the success of the past and understanding that customer’s expectations and needs change, Bay Road has embraced the new era of modern retailing.

Recent changes to Bay Road has seen The Bay Road Café now under the expert guidance of Janine Smith and her daughter Hilary. The Bay Road Nursery manager Justin Taverniti and David Howard are now partners in the Bay Road Nursery business.
Growing up and working in the very successful family garden centre in Essendon, Justin brings a wealth of experience, passion, connections and ideas to see The Bay Road Nursery continue to delight customers with the very best plants, products and services.

Along with recent new branding, colours, layout, signage and ways of communicating with customers, The Bay Road Nursery has introduced The Bay Road Gardener. Working in collaboration with Semkens Landscaping and some Victoria’s leading plant producers, The Bay Road Gardener is an exciting and unique service to help customers to create and maintain great outdoor spaces that perfectly enhance their homes and living spaces.