From Seed to Bloom: Seed Station Brings Native Beauty to Gather & Gourmet

Amidst the food trucks, artisan stalls, live music, and bustling energy of Gather & Gourmet, one business is quietly cultivating something just as nourishing — not for your plate, but for your garden.

Seed Station, founded by Jacqueline Gratton in Hilton, Western Australia, has blossomed into one of the state’s most thoughtful and community-minded seed suppliers. What began as a small venture in 2010 — selling seedlings at local farmers markets and IGA supermarkets — has grown into a full-time business with a dedicated focus on providing high-quality, locally sourced seeds. In response to growing demand, Jacqueline transitioned fully into seed supply by 2022, building a business that reflects her passion for native flora, sustainability, and education.

At the upcoming Gather & Gourmet twilight market on Saturday, 31st May, Seed Station will be showcasing their extensive range of seeds selected especially for Western Australian conditions. One standout feature will be the ever-popular Billy Buttons, a native wildflower with undeniable charm, practical resilience, and wide appeal for gardeners of all experience levels.

Meet the Maker: Jacqueline Gratton of Seed Station

Jacqueline runs Seed Station full time, supported by a network of passionate seed savers, backyard growers, and fellow enthusiasts. Her journey into seed supply is rooted in years of hands-on experience cultivating seedlings and understanding the unique demands of WA’s climate and soil. What sets Seed Station apart is its deeply collaborative model — Jacqueline and her network grow plants specifically for seed production, which helps ensure top-tier germination rates and adaptability for local conditions.

The result? A seed selection that isn’t just diverse, but intentionally curated for real gardens, not just perfect pictures. From water-wise native varieties to heirloom vegetables, each packet represents hundreds of hours of knowledge, testing, and care.

And her sustainability practices run deep. “All of our seeds are packed in recycled paper envelopes,” Jacqueline explains. “We keep the theme going when we post out website orders too. To protect your seeds from moisture and letterbox munchers (yes, snails), we use a special plastic-free material made from plants. It’s green all the way.” Even the mailing envelopes are recycled. This conscious approach to packaging reflects the core of Seed Station’s values — growing not just gardens, but a more sustainable future.

Spotlight on Billy Buttons: A Native Favourite

Among the many seeds Jacqueline offers, Billy Buttons (Craspedia globosa) is a particular favourite — both for customers and for wildlife. This native beauty is instantly recognisable by its silvery-green, grass-like foliage and tall, slender stems topped with golden-yellow flower heads. From spring through to summer, these button-like blooms persist through the heat, offering a splash of colour even when other plants fade. As they mature, their yellow deepens into a rich gold, and the flowers dry beautifully — making them ideal for cut arrangements, wreaths, or rustic bouquets.

Native to New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, Billy Buttons have adapted over millennia to withstand tough conditions — including arid summers, poor soils, and unpredictable rainfall. They flourish in everything from sandy coastal flats to clay-loam foothills, making them ideal for Perth gardens. Once established, they need very little maintenance, making them perfect for time-poor gardeners, new plant parents, or those simply looking to add some fuss-free colour to their outdoor space.

But Billy Buttons are more than just a pretty face. Their nectar-rich blooms are a favourite for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, who flock to their subtle scent and golden glow. In this way, they serve a dual purpose: providing joy to gardeners and crucial support to local pollinators.

Add to that their value as a cut flower — known to retain shape and vibrancy for weeks when dried — and it’s no surprise that Billy Buttons have become a staple in both backyard gardens and floristry work.

A Business Rooted in Purpose

For Jacqueline, the success of Seed Station hasn’t come without challenges. Like many small business owners, she’s had to navigate through periods of ill health while keeping the business running. Yet, it’s clear that Seed Station is more than a business — it’s a calling.

“I just love the location,” Jacqueline says of Gather & Gourmet, where she’ll be showcasing her seeds and sharing her expertise with marketgoers. “It’s the perfect setting to connect with people who are looking to live more sustainably or introduce native plants into their gardens.”

Seed Station’s goal moving forward is to continue expanding and improving the range of seeds offered, always with an emphasis on quality, climate suitability, and environmental impact.

Where to Find Seed Station

You can meet Jacqueline and explore Seed Station’s offerings in person at the Gather & Gourmet Market on Saturday, 31st May from 3:30pm to 8:30pm at Supreme Court Gardens. The event promises a vibrant evening of street food, artisan makers, free face painting, live music, and craft workshops — the perfect setting to shop, relax, and connect with local creatives.

Whether you're looking to start a native wildflower patch, attract pollinators to your veggie garden, or simply want to learn more about sustainable growing — be sure to stop by the Seed Station stall and discover the joy that starts with just one seed.

Can’t make it? Visit www.seedstation.com.au to shop online and explore their full seed range.