In 1998 we started making boxes out of old fence palings to suit 5” plant pots and  floristry bowls, for flower arrangements. 

This started in our garage in the suburb of Carrum Downs where the boxes were nailed by hand and sold to florists.  After 2 months as orders increased, we decided to purchase a nail gun and compressor to make the boxes quicker as we received large orders for corporate functions.

 

We then progressed to baskets with tree handles, wheelbarrows and finally birdhouses.  These have grown in size, variation and design, as well as some made with new treated pine which can painted.  The new timber (treated pine or marine ply) allows us to make our larger birdhouses.  The new timber also allows you to plant directly into our boxes and wheelbarrows. 

 

Twelve months later, in December 1998, we had enough stock to hold a stall at Emu Plains Market in Balnarring. 

With our two children we moved to a small acreage property in Hastings to allow us to produce stock in larger quantities.   We incorporated Rod's welding skills to make bigger steel roofs and also steel birdhouses to add to our range. The steel rusts nicely to give that aged look and up until 2022, we still made floristry boxes from old fence palings.

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We started attending the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in 2012 and also attend various interstate shows. Our upcoming events are located on our Home Page with dates.

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We had planned on retiring, but unfortunately Rod was diagnosed with cancer in September 2025 and passed 2 weeks later. Alex, our son has been marvellous and has completed all the outstanding orders and new orders that came in. He was made redundant in his position as lead carpenter, so he has been able to dedicate more time to the business. He is deciding whether to take on Bird's the Word full time or part time. This decision will be made sooner than later. In the mean time, we are restructuring our prices and our website will be updated as we do. There is a current wait list of 2 to 3 months which will vary from time to time.

 

We thank you all for your support and patience as we find a way forward with the business and we can honestly say Rod loved doing what he did ❤️