Amy Hume
If you told Mary Wollmering 10 years ago she’d find herself in Mongrel boots and among plants daily she would have laughed.
That’s because when she purchased The Garden Tap in Kyneton about six years ago she did so on impulse.
While it was not a long-held dream, it wasn’t short of romance: the place had charmed her and she had fallen in love at first sight.
“There’s just something about the space. I love the space and I thought it had incredible potential,” she says.
It was a huge change for the former senior manager in health IT who had become accustomed to city life.
She says it’s the best change she ever made but now she’s preparing for yet another big move.
After selling her Drummond North property earlier this year, Mary is soon to also farewell the iconic Kyneton nursery.
She is bound for Tarnagulla where she has purchased, and plans to run, the town’s historic post office.
“It’s going to be another massive change but change is good,” she says.
The nursery will remain open until October and Mary has been busily preparing for the big transition over the past few weeks. She has also been reflecting on her time there.
“It’s kind of sad because the nursery’s been here a long time and this has been one of the most wonderful experiences,” she says.
“For the first time in my working life I have been able to make my own decisions, I can buy the stock I want, and it’s really nice to be able to express myself in things that I’m doing.
“I grew up in a country town so it’s been really lovely to come back to that. The community here is fantastic and really supportive – I have met some wonderful, wonderful, wonderful people.
“I will also miss my amazing staff – there is never a bad day here.”
Mary says Wendy Forrest and her daughter Jessie were fundamental in helping her to establish herself in the nursery.
She said the current A-team, Janine, Deanne and Cathy, keep her “motivated, learning, dancing and laughing”.
Mary promises to return to visit the shops and people she came to love along the way.
The nursery will close on October 9. Mary will be taking orders until October 1 and restocking as needed. There will be a storewide 20 per cent sale until closing.
