Small Talk with Niamh Tully from Tully Nurseries
Growtrade.ie talks to Niamh about her journey into horticulture, highlighting the transition from a production-focused approach to branding and marketing their plants
Print26 March 2024
At Growtrade, we’re running an interview series titled ‘Small Talk’, where we talk to various influential members of Ireland’s horticulture trade. This month’s conversation is with Niamh Tully from Tully Nurseries.
How did you get your start in horticulture?
After getting the travel bug out of my system, my brother Padraig asked me to join the family business Tully Nurseries where there was a huge opportunity at the time to brand our plants giving them a sense of identity and market them better in Ireland and the UK. Up to that point, Tully Nurseries was very much production led..
What was one of the proudest moments in your career to date?
Winning best new plant introduction in Ireland and the UK for Hebe Rhubarb & Custard and at the same time, launching the Bella Bloom plants brand in conjunction with Bord Bia.
What was one of the greatest challenges you’ve faced in your career to date?
Trying to sell the 1/4 million Hebes & Lavenders when the market shut down with the outbreak of covid-19.
Give us an example of a recent success you had in your work.
Setting up a new concept area onsite which helped us tell our story, introduce new concepts and market our plants throughout the season. I love getting creative in this space – especially with movement and colour!
What are the greatest challenges facing the industry today?
Profits are minimal with rising costs especially labour, as it’s a very labour-intensive industry. You are always trying to reduce costs and produce plants more efficiently.
What are the greatest opportunities facing the industry today?
Communicating the benefits of planting plants & trees for the planet and the positive effects of gardening for the mind, body and soul.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in horticulture?
Talk to as many people as you can in the industry at home and abroad, be prepared to listen to advice and be guided by their years of experience. Arm yourself with efficient computer skills, social media techniques and do a personal development course to learn how to communicate effectively. Finally, do what makes you happy and follow your dreams!
What are your hopes for the future of Irish horticulture?
I hope it remains dynamic, exciting and most of all, profitable!
Tully Nurseries is a prominent wholesale nursery in Ireland, supplying landscape contractors, garden centers, DIY stores, and supermarkets in both Ireland and the UK. For more information, visit: tullynurseries.ie
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