A few weeks ago a friend of mine told me about a plant nursery she was sure I'd love and had to go to. I was intrigued.
I've been looking for some particular heirloom vegetable seeds and whilst it was probably unlikely I'd find them at Karkoo Nursery I decided it would be a nice Sunday drive and, based on my friends assessment of it, I figured it would be well worth the effort.
Karkoo Nursery
Karkoo Nursery is situated down a small lane in the tiny town of Oakbank, in the verdant Adelaide hills. It's not on the main thoroughfare so if one isn't going directly there it's unlikely one would ever find it. I knew where to go though and on the scenic drive there began to wonder what I would find - Everything wasn't want I expected.
On arrival the sign, overflow car park, and large arrow gave me a hint that this place gets busy. I was lucky to get a shaded park in the main area though and headed into the nursery. It soon became apparent I wasn't in an everyday, typical plant nursery because it seemed they had literally everything. Well, maybe not literally, but you know what I mean.
The nursery has occupied the buildings and grounds of the historical Johnston Brewery which was created by Scotsman William Johnston soon after he arrived in South Australia in 1839. There are several buildings full of pots, homewares, furniture, crafts, artwork, scents, candles, ornamental household items, women's clothing, home-made foods and well...everything.
Plants, tasty food and everything
I was blown away by the sheer scope of their range and what I really liked was that they focus on local makers, artisans and artists rather than importing factory-made rubbish from China. Everything had a feel of being made with love and care and it was all of rather good quality from what I could tell. I made my wat from building to building and room to room and marvelled at the range of stocked items.
Of course, it's a plant nursery also and there was no shortage of plants, pots, implements, garden art and just about everything one could want for the garden. The prices were not what I would call cheap, although the quality and range was good and that's what counts sometimes I guess.
Part of the brewery building has been turned into a café and kitchen. The tables are all outside and under cover which was perfect for the sort of weather-day it was when I visited. The food and drinks also stick closely to the local theme being sourced from local and South Australian producers primarily. They do light lunches and platters - the cheese platter looked amazing - and are licensed so can serve alcohol for those who desire it. Above you can see part of the seating area that spread into the greenery of the nursery itself and I'd say they can comfortably accommodate 100-110 people seated.
I had a very legit toasted sandwich of Barossa Valley free-range chicken, avocado, lettuce and Spanish onion served with a side of chilli jam and also managed to have a scone with jam and cream. I also had an iced chai latte which was totally scrumptious!
One of the really cool things is the historical display of items from the old Johnston brewery - you can see some of the original bottles above middle right. There, one can read the Johnston's story and take a look at some of the items that would have been in every day use. The excellent quality of the local water sourced for the beer made it a highly sought-after beverage back in the day and they also made a wide selections of cordials.
It's the almost endless array of stuff that wins the day though and one could wander for hours exploring what's on offer. If a person was setting up a house they'd not need to go anywhere else I'd say; they even had lounge suites and outdoor furniture.
There was a nice eclectic feel to the place, an inviting county-comfort feel I was left feeling like there was something around every corner just waiting to be discovered and, in truth, there really was.
In this post I've collaged a few of my photos to demonstrate the wide variety of items. My focus was on the plants though, those heirloom seeds I mentioned, although I walked away empty handed. They didn't have want I needed. I wasn't overly disappointed though. The weather was good, I had a nice drive through the Adelaide hills and Karkoo Nursery was a very interesting place to visit...plus I got to eat and drink some scrummy things.
Karkoo is more than a simple plant nursery as you can probably tell. There's something for everyone and it just felt comfortable and nice. Whether shopping for oneself, a gift of for the garden, or just looking for a welcoming place to enjoy a lunch and drink, Karkoo Nursery has you covered. If you're ever in my town you need to make sure you get to Karkoo Nursery; they have everything including me...Well, last Sunday anyway.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
All images are my own
Um there was a brief mention of cheese, so I came running! 😂 although I fail to see a picture of the cheesy variety represented above.
This looks like such an awesome place to spend a decent amount of time. Based on the pictures and your description it looks like it is a destination unto itself and worthy of exploration.
There is nothing I love more than a store that specializes in eclectic collections!
I didn't actually get a photo of the cheese platter but I saw a waiter bringing it to someone else's table and I'm going to take a punt and say you wold have loved it! You'll have to get down here sometime and we'll share one whilst we tell lies about deeds past, then go browsing for stuff.
Holy cow! That really turned into quite a nice trip! I love when you go somewhere and your expectations are low then you are pleasantly surprised in the end. I could spend the whole day in this place. It’s nice that they cater to local we made items instead of crap from China.
I'm the guy who is happy to pay more to avoid Chinese-made rubbish. I don't waste things, treat all my stuff with care and respect and so I go for quality items. Buy one, cry once. I think that's why I appreciate places like this so much...Local products made with some TLC rather than imported from some mega-factory in Xhingwingding Province. (I'm not sure if that's a real place though.)
Thanks for your comment, it's always apprciated.
No Problem..
I do believe that place exists 😆
It's hard to find places that deal with only local producers or artisans.. Just the way things are because so many want to save money. Little do they know by saving they are increasing inflation and thus not saving a damn thing. Buy one, cry once.. so true.
Xhingwingding Province is a lovely place. There's so many factories there that the toxic fumes spew forth 24/7 as they manufacture all sorts of plastic things that no one really needs. And the best thing, there's zero accountability. Ah yes, Utopia does exist.
Oh how I love these responses. I am wanting to cough just thinking about it! New Jersey isn't much better with all of our oil refining and pharma plants. At least it is all up to the North near NYC. Then the wind carries it across the pond. lol
I looked back through your photos and noticed a cool vintage (Maybe) wine carboy. Green glass and pear shaped. Looks like it has a bung still stuck in the top of it. I would have considered buying that.. just for the green glass style alone.
Yes, it caught my eye also. The colour and shape. I didn't look at the price but I'd imagine it was costly.
I can just about see the numbers on the price sticker at the top of the neck. 😲
I am sure it was. I have a few but all modern with no character like that.
Cheese?!! Did you say CHEESE?!!! In THAT stunning place? And there's such a wide variety of plants! Why is this beautiful place just a teeny bit too far? Only an ocean or two I guess. I'm also blown away. What an experience Galen! You really visit some special places. And a brewery? Hmmmmm. Coffee before the nursery shopping and something chilled after
I'm totally amazed at how this place has slipped my notice until now. Mind boggling. Still, I know it now and will go back for sure. Everything was just right, you know? The stuff, the setting of it, the feel. Well worth some more visits.
Heirloom seeds! Nice! I especially like Heirloom tomatoes and climbing french beans! I love these kinds of nurseries and so many of them are popping up on the landscape in today's world. People are spending more time planting and growing fresh goodness. We are becoming addicted to good-for-you-food! This place is pretty sweet from the moment you drive up to the parking spot and get out of the car. It has history, its own story. It is totally true! They are never cheap, but, look at the quality they are handing off to you, you don't find that in every nursery that you go to. I really like the fact that they support the local talent, with their homemade, handmade, and homegrown items. Oh!!!
Oh, my! The scones are delicious looking and the size of that cafe is nicely appropriated! This is such a wonderful place and the plants were everywhere. You just pick what you want and bring it up to be paid for. Did their little historical story have a place of its own, or was it mixed in with the homewares? My shop is very much like this and It is my go-to place. It changes over in the fall to a winter wonderland. Stay tuned!!! Thank you for being a part of #MarketFriday! I cannot tell you how pleased I am to see so many participating every week. I have learned so much about the different cultures of the world, especially the small things that go unnoticed except by those looking for it. Life is interesting, wherever you are, whatever you are doing. I hope the New Year finds you healthy and happy, as we all look to prosper in our way of life.
#MarketFriday began as a way to reach out across the globe and learn about different cultures through their markets, especially local markets and farmers markets and eventually branching out and evolving over time from straight shopping to a cultural affair as it highlights how we differ and then again, how much we are alike. We have become a melting pot of culture, but, it is still the Rituals, Festivals, food, architecture, even your language/languages that separate us... Along with the fact of what is these things are normal for us. There are unwritten rules that rule our social behaviors. I see this as allowing for increased tolerance between cultures and nations, and opportunities to come together on an even playing ground. A strong culture can be beneficial to a country as it promotes unity, especially during a crisis, peaceful debate, and open dialogue. I have learned so much about all of you and it has been an amazing experience. I can only hope that learning about each other can help us work together for a peaceful world.
Fridays are all about the #MarketFriday Challenge! Looking to take part in it? Here is how:
Take pictures! Be creative!
5. Drop the link into the MarketFriday comment section so I can find it
7. You must put #MarketFriday by @dswigle somewhere on your post. If you don't and someone reads it, there is nothing to tie #MarketFriday to that post.
As always, please remember! #MarketFriday loves you!
It was a very cool place and to be honest I'm incredulous as to why I've never heard of it before - I'm usually on all over places like this.
They have one of the old brewery building set up to tell the historical aspect of the location and they also have furniture stuff in there as well; it's all rather eclectic but really cool.
And...Scones. They were scrummy indeed. Home made jam and cream...What's not to like? :)
Perhaps that I am not able to see it in person. It is a cool place and I want to thank you for showing it off, and so well! Thank you!
You make your way here. I'll buy the scones.
Ok, that's probably not going to happen so...I'll go there again and have scones on your behalf. Deal?
I like mine with raspberry jam. Just saying.
Probably achievable.
Esteem raised just for that.
Damn that's one hardcore nursery XD sad about not being able to track down the seeds you wanted but now you know of a cool place to hang out the next time you want seeds or plants they do have ;D
It's a great place to sit and relax, have some tasty food and even go shopping if one is so inclined. I didn't get the seeds, but it wasn't a wasted trip at all. :)
That's really cool. I know Oakbank reasonably well and had never heard of Karkoo.
I'll have to drop the kids on grandma and take the wife for lunch and a leisurely browse.
Thanks :)
I don't think you'll be disappointed Matt; much to see and the foods and drinks are scrupmtious.
That looks like a very fun and interesting place.
EVERYTHING ! .... except the heirloom seeds you wanted. 😀
It was nice to see the sunny day, flowers and springy things. It is 27 degrees here this morning. It is only fortunate that I do not need to go out!
It was a very nice place and I was so surprised if not heard of it prior considering how much I enjoy places like this! Anyway, I know about it now huh.
27F is pretty cool. It was 39C here yesterday (102F) and will be 37 and rain later today. Not so good. In fact, bad. I hate the hot weather.
What a surprise and for real this was an amazing adventure and I guess I would choose to be in This place