It is a little known fact that Brunnings is one of Australia’s longest surviving businesses and brands - particularly in the horticultural market. Brunnings has had a prominent effect on the gardens and orchards of Australia and overseas since the arrival of George and Charles Brunning to Melbourne in 1852.

After arriving, George and Charles started Bunnings Nurseries which expanded throughout the 1850’s and 60’s, specialising in garden flowers and shrubs, many of which were sold in other parts of Australia. The nurseries were noted for quality, large stocks and new varieties. The most notable introductions were the South American Peppercorn Tree and the Waltham Cross Grape. In 1889 John Brunning grew the first Victorian block of 175 Jonathan Apple Trees, which became a forerunner of Australian orcharding. Meanwhile, another branch of the family commenced trading in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne as FH Brunning and gained a reputation Australia-wide for farm seeds, lawn seeds, grains and vegetable seeds.

F.H. Brunning became the forerunner to the Brunnings Garden Products we have to-day.  In 1858 the Brunnings Australian Gardener was launched and became well known around Australia as the bible of Australian gardening with 34 editions by 1958. It is still published to-day.

The modern Brunnings Garden Products is a vastly different business from that commenced by the Brunnings family in 1852. Brunnings, while still a leader in lawn seed, is also now a leader in fertilisers, weedicides, potting mix, composts and wire baskets. It is unique nowadays in that it has offices throughout Australia which offer a full service capability including local distribution and manufacturing. Another unique and important aspect is that the business in each State is totally owned and managed by locals.

So after nearly 150 years Brunnings is still proud to say it is run like a family business.

So the more things change the more they stay the same.