More Than a Nursery —
A Community Institution
Over five decades, three generations of families and one unbreakable love of growing things.
Roots That Run Deep
Presti Nursery has stood at 1726 Ferntree Gully Road for more than 58 years — long enough to watch entire gardens grow from seedlings to towering trees, and long enough to see children become grandparents who now bring their own grandchildren through the gate.
It was founded by Mr. Presti and his wife in 1967, who had a simple but powerful belief: that a great nursery should feel like a second home. Not just a place to buy plants, but a place to get advice, share stories, and feel the warmth of people who genuinely care about your garden.
Mr. Presti was famous for his generosity. Children who visited the nursery — whether they came to buy anything or not — rarely left empty-handed. He would press a cutting, a seedling, or a small flowering plant into young hands with a smile, planting seeds of love for gardening that bloomed for decades. One woman in her fifties recalls how she would "skip and dance along the walkways between the plants" as a child, and how Mr. Presti's small gifts shaped her lifelong passion for gardening.
The Nursery Through the Years
Hugs, Tears of Joy & Much Laughter
In December 2021, Mr. Presti passed away — leaving behind a nursery, a legacy, and a community who had loved him for decades. Mrs. Presti continued to run the nursery for another year, supported by family, but the workload of a full nursery without her partner was immense.
On 23 December 2022, Presti Nursery closed its gates. Mrs. Presti's message to her customers was heartfelt and dignified: "I want to thank them so much for the many years of loyal support." She looked forward to retirement and tending her own vegetable garden at home.
The community felt the loss deeply. People who had visited the nursery their whole lives suddenly had no place to gather, no familiar faces to consult, no gate to wander through on a sunny Saturday morning.
Then came the surprise that nobody — least of all himself — expected.
"When asked why he returned to the nursery despite a lifelong claim of no interest in plants, Domenic pointed skyward — suggesting his late father's guiding hand had something to do with it."
— Fern Tree Gully News, May 2025
Domenic Presti had spent 43 years designing and building motorhomes and racing cars across Australia and New Zealand. He was the last person anyone — including himself — expected to take over the nursery. But sometimes the heart knows what the head won't admit.
When Presti Nursery reopened in 2024, Domenic alongside his wife Celia — who works tirelessly serving customers and maintaining the grounds — welcomed back their community with open arms. Longtime customers arrived in droves, sharing stories of gardens built from Presti plants and seeking to continue the tradition their families had kept for generations.
People Used to Come for Plants. Now They Come for the People.
A Journey Through the Years
The Nursery is Founded
Mr. and Mrs. Presti open Presti Nursery at 1726 Ferntree Gully Road. Their vision: a warm, family-run nursery where every customer feels at home. They stock flowering plants, fruit trees and vegetable seedlings suited to the Dandenong Ranges climate.
Growing Roots in the Community
Over three decades, the nursery becomes a cornerstone of the Ferntree Gully community. Three generations of local families shop here. Mr. Presti's generosity becomes legendary — no child ever leaves empty-handed. The nursery evolves from a shop into a gathering place.
Five Decades of Flourishing
The nursery continues to thrive under Mr. and Mrs. Presti's dedicated stewardship. Long-term customers whose children and grandchildren now visit describe it as irreplaceable. The couple's son Domenic pursues his passion for motorhomes and motor racing across Australia and New Zealand.
Mr. Presti Passes Away
The founder of Presti Nursery passes away, leaving behind a profound legacy of generosity, community love, and beautiful gardens across the Dandenong Ranges. Mrs. Presti continues to run the nursery with the support of family members.
A Difficult Farewell
After more than 55 years, Presti Nursery closes its gates. Mrs. Presti thanks her loyal customers: "I want to thank them so much for the many years of loyal support." The community mourns the loss but respects her well-earned retirement. She returns to tending her beloved vegetable garden at home.
The Unexpected Return
In a move that surprised everyone — including himself — Domenic Presti takes over the nursery. After 43 years building motorhomes and racing cars, he steps back into the family business alongside his wife Celia. The reopening is met with hugs, tears of joy and much laughter from a community overjoyed to have their nursery back.
Growing Into the Future
Presti Nursery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm, welcoming back old friends and new customers alike. Domenic and Celia have kept everything that made the nursery special while bringing their own warmth and enthusiasm to a new chapter of the story.
The Presti Family
Two generations of passion, care and expertise in every plant we sell.
Domenic Presti
The son Mr. Presti always hoped would follow in his footsteps — just 43 years later than expected. Domenic brings a lifetime of craftsmanship, problem-solving and a quiet passion for the land that surprises even him. He'll tell you he knows nothing about plants, then spend an hour helping you transform your garden.
Celia Presti
The engine that keeps Presti Nursery running beautifully every single day. Celia works tirelessly — serving customers, maintaining the grounds, and creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels just like the old days. Her warmth and attention to detail make every visit special.
Mrs. Presti
After 55 years of giving the community her heart, Mrs. Presti has retired to tend her own garden. Her legacy lives on in every plant sold, every piece of advice given, and every customer who smiles as they walk through the gate. The nursery she built with her husband is in good hands.