Cherry Lane Nursery to close as owner Morwenna Harslett reflects on decade of providing a haven to plant lovers

It was a stalwart of the community through droughts and bushfires, but sadly a plant-lover’s haven in the Southern Downs is planning to cease trading in a matter of months. Read the latest from the owner and her future plans.

A beloved Southern Downs business is closing its doors in a matter of months, but it’s not all doom and gloom.

Owner of Stanthorpe’s iconic Cherry Lane Nursery Morwenna Harslett announced the business would be shutting up shop at the end of June.

Ms Harslett said she would try her best to fulfil all current orders, and that there would be very little stock available for walk-in purchases so if customers wanted something, they must pre-order it.

After owning Cherry Lane Nursery for the past decade, Ms Harslett said she was “ready for the next adventure”.

Cherry Lane Nursery owner Morwenna Harslett at Gardenfest. (Photo: File)

Although the closure seems sudden to the store’s loyal customers, the move comes following 10 years of missing weekends and holidays.

“Unlike a retail store, I can’t just take a holiday and leave the stock in the store, they’re alive and need to be watered,” Ms Harslett said.

“Plants don’t really like it when you go away for a weekend and not give them water, it’s something that farmers understand all too well.

“You’ve got living things that you work with you can’t just leave them, I’ve never really switched off for almost a decade and that’s the crux of the decision, I just want a holiday.

“It probably seems sudden to a lot of people, but it’s not sudden to me, it’s something I’ve known for a long time, and I just needed a break.”

Although the business will be closing its doors in winter, Ms Harslett revealed she had no intention of leaving the town.

The former schoolteacher turned plant caretaker said part of the nursery’s appeal was it catered to Stanthorpe’s unique climate which other Queensland stores simply couldn’t as they were catered to more tropical climates.

Cherry Lane Nursery owner Morwenna Harslett is ready for another great year at Gardenfest.

“I love the customers, it’s been a real joy to work with and serve them, one thing that surprised me with this job is a lot of people who come in aren’t just buying plants but they’re coming to the nursery because it soothes their soul a bit,” she said.

“They like the experience of wandering among the plants, we noticed it during the bushfires where you had people whose homes and gardens were completely destroyed, and they would come in for the calmness that people get from being around plants.

“That’s one the real joy with this is that I’ve been able to provide without really doing anything but just existing and being here.”

Ms Harslett said she was excited to have some time off and do a bit of travelling – a concept which was impossible during her decade at Cherry Lane – and was keen to stay in the community on her return.

“I’m ready for the next adventure – whatever that will look like – probably a few sleep-ins over the first few weeks of my holidays.”

Morwenna Harslett brought more native plants to Cherry Lane Nursery, and hoped to provide a tranquil place where people can wander around the established gardens getting ideas or relax by the natural spring when taking over the business a decade ago. (Photo: File)

Distraught gardeners across the region reacted to the news of the closure.

“I love your nursery and found you incredibly helpful and friendly. I wish you the best,” one Facebook user shared.

“Very sad to hear you are closing! Thanks for all the garden help and all the amazing plants, and best wishes for your next step,” another wrote.

“How very sad. Wishing you the very best. You will be missed.”