GROWING IDEAS IN WA

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Everlasting Seminar is operated by Sue Dempster who has experienced the beauty of Western Australian plants for some 25 years.

Growing up with parents and grandparents devoted to Western Australian wildflowers, the Latin names become subconsciously imbedded in the mind. 

Raised in Manjimup, I grew up with the beauty of the southwest environment, the forests of Karri trees, brilliant blue native wisteria, or Hardenbergia, sweet smelling brown Boronia, and dusty orange gravel roads.

With my parents and grandparents being members of the Wildflower Society of WA group outings (camping, long drives and mountain climbing) with other enthusiasts were regular. My mother, Hazel, regularly gave her 5 children a special plant to search for, just some of these plants were, sundews, trigger plants, pitcher plants, boronia, crowea and snotty gobble trees. These where always interesting finds as we never were allowed to pick them but touch and feel and interact on how they work with the insects and birds. There are many photos of these adventures.

Mum developed a nursery propagating WA Plants by seeds and cuttings. If we ever wanted to know were she was, it was 'out the back' potting up, sorting or planting. I liked to think that I assisted (or hindered) her during this time.

Time warp of 8 -10 years

We have moved up to Perth and I begun my working life at Waldeck Nursery Kingsley then Wildflower Nursery Kingsley. This experience in the retail industry has been essential for the '4 Season Seminars' as gardeners are relying on you for the correct information of the plants that are to grow in their garden. Talking to people about their garden needs, adapting to garden fashion trends and learning about exotic plants gave a excellent background on gardening in Perth.

Time warp of 5 - 7 years

Now in my late 20's, the creative side of me is calling to start using my plant knowledge stored in my brain once again. Given an opportunity to be head gardener and designer at the Burswood International Resort Casino allowed the mind to explore colour and design capabilities using annuals. Introducing local plants around the building was a bit tricky as the 1970's didnt give Australian Plants a good image. My time there of 2 and half years, gave me confidence that achieving a professional landscaping business was possible. Friends and family encouraged me to pursue wonderful landscaping opportunities and enabled me to include WA plants into the designs. The business Bloomin Marvelous Garden Makeovers and Designs operated for 3 years.

What stopped me continuing you ask? TWINS

During this time I worked part time for Environmental Weeds Action Network and the Wildflower Society of WA co-ordinating a book launch and various workshops.

It is now 2003 and I am armed with courses in public relations and business management, my current purpose in life (other than being a wife and mother) is not the actual designing with WA plants, but bring people together to educate them on the importance of WA plants in today's landscape designs, and by creating an awareness of plants that can cause problems to the natural environment I learnt to appreciate as a child.

If you have reached this point, I thank you for reading the story of how Everlasting Concepts came to life and hope to meet you at the seminars.

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