Garden consultant and HMAA member in Western Australia, Andrea Whitely, has been recognised by the WA nursery and garden industry with an award. She has been granted honorary membership in recognition of her dedication and outstanding service to the nursery and garden industry in Western Australia, and for her continued efforts in sharing your passion for plants and gardens, inspiring gardeners everywhere.
In making the award, Executive Office Lisa Passmore said the association was thrilled to award Honorary Member status to Andrea Whitely for the 2025/26 financial year.
“Andrea served as one of three judges for the 2025 Perth Garden Show (owned by the NGIWA) and is a strong advocate for the event. She is also actively involved with the WA Open Gardens Scheme (where she was a keynote speaker) and writes the gardening column inThe West Australian.
“Each year, we consider horticulturists and industry-connected individuals who have made significant contributions to the greenlife sector. This year, we were delighted to recognise Andrea’s ongoing contribution in this way.”
Past Honorary Members of the Association (all of whom continue into the current financial year) form a prestigious group of respected industry figures, and Andrea now joins their ranks.
Andrea said she is deeply appreciative of being honoured in this way by industry peers.
“It is wonderful recognition of work that I am so passionate about,” she said adding that growing plants in Western Australia can be tough.
Andrea explains that she came to Western Australia from Victoria more than 30 years ago and has had to adapt to very different growing conditions.
“Compared to WA, gardening in Victoria was a bit of a doddle. You put something in the ground, and it grew. Here in Perth soil is everything, it is where the magic happens and knowledge about soil improvement can be transformative for any gardener starting out,” advises Andrea. “As the old song goes ‘I wish that I knew, what I know now’.”
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Featured: Andrea Whitely.
Int: Andrea’s citation from the nursery and garden industry association in Western Australia.
