At Artisan Exterior, we understand that truly exceptional outdoor spaces thrive through the harmony of materials, design, and the living elements that bring them to life. We speak to Paul Takchi, General manager of Exotic Nurseries, one of Australia’s leading wholesale nurseries, to explore how carefully curated greenery can elevate the beauty and functionality of any outdoor space.
The Growth of Exotic Nurseries
Exotic Nurseries began as a small father-and-son landscaping business in the early 1980s. Originally a holding yard for landscape materials, the site gradually transformed into a thriving nursery, initially focusing on palms. Today, with over 20 acres dedicated to plant production and a team of nearly 30 people, Exotic Nurseries has become a hub for Australian natives, exotics, succulents, cacti, ornamentals, and rare specimens.
Beyond offering high-quality plants, Exotic Nurseries has built a reputation for inspiring designers and homeowners alike. Their displays are meticulously designed to highlight the beauty of each plant, ensuring they are showcased in ways that bring out their best features.
The Power of Plants in Outdoor Design
When it comes to creating outdoor spaces that leave a lasting impression, plants are essential. As Paul Takchi explains, “Plants set the mood, create a distinct atmosphere, and play a crucial role in completing any outdoor space. They bring life, vibrancy, and a natural aesthetic that enhances both the visual appeal and functionality of a landscape.” Whether it’s a lush tropical backdrop or a striking cactus arrangement, the right greenery seamlessly ties together hardscapes and softens architectural surfaces.
For high-end projects, plant selection becomes even more crucial, ensuring harmony with architectural styles and material choices. “While the key factors of aspect, location, and practicality still apply, complementing the architectural style and material selections is essential, particularly for high-end projects,” Paul notes.
In collaboration with Exotic Nurseries, we’ve seen firsthand how well-curated plantings can enhance the timeless stone surfaces featured in projects such as the Bronte project by Harrisons Landscaping. This standout design beautifully integrates our Olive Limestone Pavers and Coping, with lush greenery creating a striking contrast against a sleek grey fence. The result is a highly influential project that has inspired countless homeowners and designers across the industry.
Key Considerations for Selecting Plants
When starting a new project, Paul and his team consider several factors to ensure the right plant selections:
Aspect & Location – Sunlight exposure, shade levels, and environmental conditions like coastal influences.
Architectural Harmony – Ensuring plant selections complement the home’s design, materials, and overall aesthetic.
Site Access & Maintenance – Evaluating accessibility for planting and long-term care.
Practicality – Considering the client’s ability to maintain and water the plants.
Paul emphasises that while these factors are always key, high-end projects require an additional layer of attention to detail. Plant choices must align with the architectural vision and the client’s expectations, ensuring a seamless integration with the overall landscape. This meticulous approach can be seen in projects like the Thornleigh Project by Outdoor Establishments, where our Hiekka Limestone perfectly complements a lush array of greenery, including the striking Nolina bigelovii—a resilient specimen with a beautifully detailed trunk that serves as a key focal point in the design.
Collaboration: Crafting Perfect Outdoor Spaces Together
At Artisan Exterior, we believe in the power of collaboration. By working alongside other trusted suppliers like Exotic Nurseries, we contribute to the creation of cohesive, stunning spaces where every detail matters. As Paul shares, “Working with like-minded professionals drives us to innovate, grow, and push boundaries. This commitment ensures that the end user receives the best possible outcome through high-quality, well-thought-out plant selections.”
This synergy between our architectural surfaces and their carefully chosen plants has resulted in some truly stunning spaces, including our own Fortitude Valley Flagship Studio. There, plants were thoughtfully selected to complement our architectural surfaces, acting as subtle focal points that enhance the overall atmosphere of the space. Another standout project is the Coastal Retreat by Manuka Gardens, where our Valo Travertine Pavers sit against a breathtaking backdrop of vibrant plant life, demonstrating the power of blending soft and hard elements seamlessly.
Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Low Maintenance
Many homeowners and designers are seeking solutions that balance aesthetics with sustainability and low maintenance. Exotic Nurseries is at the forefront of this shift, offering plants that make a bold visual impact while requiring minimal care. As Paul explains, “There has been a significant shift towards the use of cacti, succulents and dry tolerant plants. These plants make a bold visual impact while being low maintenance—an ideal combination for modern landscaping.”
Whether it’s the sculptural Euphorbia acruensis (Cowyboy Cactus), the resilient Zamia furfuracea (Cardboard Palm), or the textural Crassula undulata ‘Max Cook’, the plant selections from Exotic Nurseries make it easy to craft high impact, inviting outdoor areas that are easy to maintain. Their careful planning ensures that plants thrive in the right environments, and their design-focused approach makes every installation feel like a work of art.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Exotic Nurseries continues to evolve. Paul shares, “We are currently developing a new five-acre growing area that will feature a range of unique specimen trees and an exclusive cactus collection. Stay updated by following us on social media @exotic_nurseries or visiting exoticnurseries.com.au.” This dedication to sourcing rare and beautiful plants ensures that every project continues to inspire and elevate outdoor living experiences.
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into something extraordinary, explore the incredible plants and plant care advice from Exotic Nurseries or visit one of our studios in ACT, NSW or QLD for inspiration.
