Business
27 September, 2026
Last day of business for Steve Hughan
AFTER a lifetime serving the gardeners of Ararat, local businessman Stephen Hughan closed the doors to his Ararat shop last Saturday for the final time.
The Barkly Street shop saw a succession of people through the doors on Saturday morning – all wanting to thank Steve and wish him well for the future.
Among them was Mayor Bob Sanders, who said Steve will be missed by many Ararat gardeners.
“Steve is helpful, knowledgeable and his advice has helped so many people over the years.
“The Ararat community has really benefitted from his sound advice, and he will be greatly missed,” Cr Sanders said.
Steve’s father Jim Hughan began business in Ararat 96 years ago in the shop now occupied by Sede Café before moving up Barkly Street to the shops current
Steve joined his father in the family business in the 1960s after completing a horticulture degree at Burnley College.
Steve comes from a long line of horticulturists dating back over 175 years.
“I’m actually the fourth generation (in horticulture). I can trace family involvement back to 1850 in Scotland with various cousins and uncles and so forth.
Steve said leaving the business was a hard decision.
“I’m the last link which makes me a bit sad. I would have liked to get (the Ararat business) to 100 years but it wasn’t to be,” he said.
Long time customers Ferelise and Allan Bonollo called by on Saturday to wish Steve well.
“We have been coming to Steve since 1977 and he has been marvellous. His knowledge and advice are second to none,” Ferelise said.
Steve said while he will no longer be in the shop, he’s still going to play an active role at home and around town.
He’s a church elder with the Ararat Uniting Church and is also the “go to” man for pruning roses.
“I’ve got a big garden at home which is a bit neglected and I’ll perhaps get involved in a few more community things. I’m not going to sit around and twiddle my thumbs and watch TV all day,” he said.
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