On the edge of Robertson, often wreathed in the town's famous, gentle mist, is a native plant-lover's paradise.
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Native Grace only opened its doors a year ago, but it's already becoming a Mecca for those in know, drawing customers from far and wide to its superb range of native plants and thoughtfully curated gifts.
"People keep coming in and saying, 'I've been told I had to come here', so we feel like word of mouth is getting out there," said Catheryn Maitland, who started the nursery with her husband Luke in November last year.
When they first opened the gates, on what they thought was the heels of a pandemic, they'd barely got started before Greater Sydney was thrust into lockdown again.
Since then, they've negotiated the crazy ride that 2021 turned out to be, but have somehow still managed to blossom.
"Thankfully we've got two sides to the business," said Luke.
"The nursery went quiet but our landscaping arm got busy, and our online sales increased."
They began emailing out plant lists to subscribers and found they appealed to more "serious buyers".
"Individuals would come in and buy in bulk, and it was almost as good as a regular weekend in sales," said Catheryn.
But it was still a struggle throughout winter, when the Shellharbour and Wollongong buyers who like to day trip up the mountain were forbidden, and they were grateful for some rent relief from their landlords.
Now, with the highway outside their doors busy again, they're planning a birthday celebration they hope will be a bit of fun for everyone.
On Sunday, November 21, from 10am-4pm there'll be a petting zoo on the grounds, the food van will be open and customers who buy four plants will be treated to a free coffee.
On Sunday, November 21, from 10am-4pm there'll be a petting zoo on the grounds, the food van will be open and customers who buy four plants will be treated to a free coffee.
"It's just a fun, happy thing to get people out and enjoying themselves, because we've all been through it together," said Catheryn.
The couple, who live in Kiama with their two children, said it's especially a chance to have a bit of fun themselves.
"Luke's had two days off - total - since we opened," said Catheryn.
"And our kids are here all the time, they spend every Sunday here. So we wanted it to be a treat for them too."
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