The state government established this nursery in 1886 and has run it ever since. Over the years it’s fulfilled a number of different functions, including propagating grape vines and distributing free seeds to rural landowners. These days, though, the nursery is solely focused on native species and grows more than 1000 different grasses, shrubs, trees, climbers and aquatic plants at a larger production site in Murray Bridge (also open to the public). If you’re keen to establish a hardy, drought-tolerant garden, this is your place. It’s one of several good nurseries in and around the Hills, including Hancox Nursery, Cleveland Nursery and Karkoo Nursery in Blackwood.