Historical information

George Brunning was born in Suffolk, England, on 2 October 1830 and settled in St Kilda in June, 1852. He was a gardener and became part-proprietor and manager of Rule's Nursery in Richmond before establishing the first nursery of his own in 1861. Following his death on 5 June 1893, his sons continued the business. An article published in Punch in 1907 observed 'Nearly all the flowers grown in and around Melbourne, indeed, throughout Victoria, which are not native to Australia, had their origins in the nurseries of George Brunning and Sons. The statement is a large one to make, but it is literally true.'

Physical description

Single page black and white photocopy of advertisement from an unidentified publication for G Brunning & Son

Inscriptions & markings

G Brunning & Son, St Kilda Nurseries, Near Melbourne, Beg to announce they have the Largest and Most Extensive Nursery Stock in the Australian Colonies. Ten acres of our ground are under cultivation with Flowers and Shrubs, upwards of two acres being covered with pot grown plants. We are the biggest Importers of new florists flowers in the Southern Hemisphere, always adding to our Stock all the Novelties as they appear in Europe. Our nurseries are particularly noted for the fine collections of roses, show, fancy and zone pelargoniums, fuchsias, picots, carnations, and other leading Plants, Shrubs, etc. In addition, we cultivate extensively the best and most popular kinds of fruit trees, of sorts suitable for private gardens, or for market purposes. Priced Catalogues are published annually in May, and will be forwarded gratis on application to G Brunning & Son, St Kilda Nurseries, Near Melbourne. Visitors to Melbourne are respectfully invited to inspect our Nurseries.