Mitcham’s ‘plant man’ evicted from Hobby Garden and Nursery

A green thumb who for decades has delighted Mitcham locals with his quirky garden centre is devastated after being evicted from the “pride and joy” property where he has lived and worked for nearly 40 years.

Xavier has run the nursery for what is believed to be 37 years. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Mitcham community is preparing to say farewell to its beloved ‘plant man’ after more than 34 years.

In five weeks Xavier ‘Plant man’ David will vacate his home at 479 Mitcham Rd, where he has lived and run the Hobby Garden and Nursery, opposite the Rangeview Shopping Strip, for decades.

An emotional Xavier said he had been leasing the property all these years, and had been given notice to vacate a few weeks ago.

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“It’s tragic,” he said. “I think it’s going to be very wrenching.”

The hobby garden and nursery has been his “pride and joy”.

The nursery is opposite the Rangeview Shopping Strip.

The plant-lover set up the business after working as a peddler in Toorak selling pot plants.

For what he believes is almost 37 years, he has been opening his garden up for the public to peruse his abundance of plants Fridays to Mondays.

On the others days he has spent time making and acquiring the “novelties” he sells.

He said children adored the pots and containers he hand painted and decorated, as well as the fairy dolls and little toys he sold among his collection of seedlings, flowers and trees.

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“I think they’re a bit for me as well,” he said.

Xavier said he had loved getting to know his customers and the community.

He said many who had moved out of Melbourne still dropped in once or twice a year to say ‘hello plant man’.

“I’d just like to say thank you to everyone for all the giggles and the laughter,” he said.

Xavier has discounted his plants in hope of reducing his huge collection before he faces the task of moving.

Mitcham residents have been flocking to help him and be customers for the last time.

A number of people have taken to Facebook to comment how sad the “lovely” plant man’s departure will be, noting their memories of visiting the nursery over the past three decades.

It is unclear what will become of the site, with no planning applications having been filed to develop the dilapidated house.