Nurturing Nature: The Enduring Legacy of Organically Grown in Malvern

In the leafy suburbs of Malvern, lies a haven for those who believe that true nourishment begins with the soil. Organically Grown, a cornerstone of sustainable shopping for three decades, stands as a testament to the power of passion-driven commerce. Tucked away on Glenferrie Road, this unassuming organic grocer has quietly revolutionised how locals approach their weekly shop, one chemical-free apple at a time. As Australia grapples with the escalating demands of climate-conscious consumerism, Organically Grown remains not just a store, but a beacon of what ethical eating can achieve.

The story of Organically Grown is as rooted in the earth as the produce it sells. Founded in the mid-1990s, the business was acquired in 1995 by Bill Toulmin, a man whose affinity for organic farming was forged long before the term became a supermarket buzzword. Bill’s journey into this world began in 1990, when he joined an organic juice company, immersing himself in the burgeoning movement for pesticide-free agriculture. By the time he took the helm at Organically Grown, he had already witnessed the transformative potential of sustainable practices. Under his stewardship, alongside his wife Therese, the store evolved from a modest supplier of organic fruits and vegetables into a comprehensive emporium of wholesome goods. Today, in 2025, it marks 30 years of service – a milestone that underscores the Toulmins’ unwavering commitment to a vision where food is not merely sustenance, but a pathway to wellbeing.

What sets Organically Grown apart is its unwavering dedication to purity and provenance. Every item on the shelves – from vibrant heirloom tomatoes to golden loaves of sourdough – carries the hallmark of certification. Bill, a hands-on proprietor with a farmer’s instinct, rises at the crack of dawn, often as early as 2am, to scour the Melbourne Wholesale Market for the finest certified organic bounty. This ritual ensures that the store’s offerings are not only 100% organic but predominantly Australian-grown, supporting local growers who adhere to rigorous standards. The certification process is no small feat: produce must be cultivated in chemical-free soil, undergo a three-year transition period, and face annual audits by accredited bodies. Customers can even peer into the grower boxes displayed in-store, verifying biodynamic or organic credentials with a glance. It’s this transparency that fosters trust, turning one-off visitors into lifelong patrons.

The product range at Organically Grown is a veritable feast for the health-conscious and eco-aware alike. At its heart are the fresh staples: seasonal fruits and vegetables bursting with flavour and nutrients, free from genetic modification and preservatives. These are complemented by grass-fed organic beef from Gippsland’s rolling pastures and free-range chickens delivered fresh several times a week. For the vegan and gluten-free communities, the aisles brim with alternatives – think plant-based cheeses, yoghurts, and mayonnaises, alongside bulk bins of grains, flours, and cereals. Pantry essentials extend to honeys, fruit juices, snack foods, and even confectionery, all curated for quality over quantity. Cleaning products join the fray, ensuring that sustainability permeates beyond the plate to the home. And for the green-fingered enthusiast, a selection of gardening seeds invites shoppers to cultivate their own organic plots. Daily deliveries of packaged and fresh bread keep the aroma of authenticity wafting through the air, while free-range eggs round out a selection that prioritises ethical animal welfare.

Beyond the shelves, Organically Grown embodies a philosophy of holistic sustainability. Bill Toulmin has long championed the idea that organic food is superior not just in taste – “sweeter, more vibrant,” he insists – but in nutritional punch, boasting higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins. Environmentally, the benefits are profound: organic farming replenishes soil health, conserves water, and slashes chemical runoff into waterways, contributing to biodiversity in an era of biodiversity loss. The store’s Australian focus minimises food miles, reducing the carbon footprint associated with imports. Yet, this isn’t preachy idealism; it’s practical ethos. As Therese notes in store conversations, “We’re not trying to save the world overnight – we’re just making it easier for our community to make choices that do.”

This community spirit is the lifeblood of Organically Grown. For 30 years, it has nourished Malvern’s residents, from young families seeking toxin-free meals for their children to retirees valuing nutrient-dense foods for vitality. The Toulmins’ personal touch – Bill’s market yarns shared over the counter, Therese’s recommendations for seasonal recipes – creates a sense of belonging rare in today’s impersonal retail landscape. Social media channels like Instagram and Facebook buzz with updates on new arrivals, from turbo snacks to exotic biodynamic finds, keeping followers engaged without overwhelming the in-store intimacy. In a city where greenwashing abounds, Organically Grown’s authenticity has earned it accolades as one of Melbourne’s “hidden gems,” praised on platforms like HappyCow for its vegan-friendly vegan staples and Yelp for its unwavering quality.

As we stand on the cusp of further environmental challenges, businesses like Organically Grown offer a roadmap for resilience. In an age where convenience often trumps conscience, it reminds us that small, deliberate choices – a weekly basket of organic greens, a jar of local honey – can ripple outward. Bill and Therese Toulmin have built more than a shop; they’ve cultivated a legacy of care, one harvest at a time.

For those inspired to join this green revolution, Organically Grown awaits at 196 Glenferrie Road, Malvern VIC 3144. Reach them by phone on (03) 9500 9796, drop an email to info@organicallygrown.com.au, or visit their website at www.organicallygrown.com.au for the latest on stock and specials. Open daily, it’s an invitation to taste the difference – and feel it, too.