Guest speaker, Paul Chambers spoke to us about his interests in the U.S.A. and also the supplying of food for Australian native animals to American zoos. Australian Outback Plants stocks over 100,000 Australian native plants and trees and is the only 100% Australian nursery in the US. Established in 1981 by dedicated horticulturalist and owner Paul Chambers with over 40 years experience in growing Australian native plants. Paul is an Australian expat, who started the business from a suitcase of Australian seed, and has spent most of his life dedicated to improving the landscape of American gardens, cities, race tracks, stadiums and other various locations across the USA.The business stocks plants in over 50 Lowes stores across Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah. The business now manages over 80 greenhouses and 50 acres of land covered in various Australian trees and eucalyptus plantation. Not only that, the business is the largest supplier of eucalyptus leaves and feed for Koala’s all across zoos in America. Feeding Koalas is no no easy task and takes an intimate knowledge of how eucalyptus grows and what Koalas like to eat, at what times. Not only does the business feed Koala, but other exotic animal also, such as, Giraffes, Rhinos, Pandas and Gorilla. Landscapers have been using Australian native plants in arid desert areas, such as Arizona, where water is low for many years. Paul has been there supplying plants and fighting the good fight for better water use and water conservation. All Australian native plants on Paul’s ranch are water wise plants and add color and an exotic flavor to gardens and landscapes. Paul’s Vision: To provide zoo animals with the most nutritious foliage from Australia, utilizing Oz zoo research and to beautify US landscapes producing shade ,shelter and spectacular flowers year round
District Governor, Tony Bramley, President Dennis Martin who is presenting a cheque for $1,000 to Pamela Bramley to go towards Orange Sky, which she spoke to us about.
