About TGG

In The Beginning...

James Lawrence, manager and founder of TGG, began growing Paulownia in 1987 at age 17, at a time when Paulownia were virtually unknown in Australia, and Western forestry in general. James' interest was sparked by the incredibly rapid growth of Paulownia combined with the obvious economic potential of the high grade timber. As he was already a keen grower, having grown up on his green-thumbed parents' small farm and running his own 'paying hobby' fern nursery from the age of 15, he quickly recognised the potential and began propagating Paulownia. James developed the business in his spare time, using his meagre savings from working at another nursery, and through gradually increasing sales, slowly grew to the point where in 1991, after securing his first large order, he was able to work in the business full-time. TGG is now a family partnership between James, his wife Noriko and his parents Stan and Elma Lawrence.

James Lawrence with a young Paulownia tree in 1998

Why Paulownia ? Why Now ?

Most Paulownia come from China. A great deal of research and development has been undertaken by the Paulownia Research Group of the Chinese Academy of Forestry since 1973 when Prof. Zhu Zhao Hua travelled all over China collecting genetic material. In the mid 1980's improved CAF strains of Paulownia where introduced into Australia. TGG obtained these strains and has since imported more, as well as collecting varieties from other sources and creating new hybrids and cultivars in-house. Some of the latest TGG hybrids have outperformed the Chinese hybrids in early trial results.

Unfortunately, during the late 1980's and into the 90's Paulownia were promoted in Australia by some investment companies in a very hyped, over-sold way. Some people lost money in tax avoiding investment schemes, and many of the pioneers in the Paulownia industry were discredited. To some extent the whole Paulownia industry was tarnished. However, it must be noted that most new industries suffer this problem, and throughout all of this period TGG maintained their good reputation through trading in a down to earth, honest way and not promoting Paulownia irresponsibly, but rather simply providing a service to those serious about growing Paulownia timber.

From the outset we set about developing a reliable, efficient means of supplying hardy planting stock in commercial quantities to enable the development of a serious Paulownia industry in Australia. We are committed to the long term viability of this fledgling industry and this is reflected in our collection of probably the largest range of Paulownia genetics outside of China and our ongoing research and development.

Recent years has seen TGG develop a more export orientated, worldwide focus, with particular emphasis on developing Paulownia forestry in South East Asia and other regions where sustainable tree farming can help to counteract rainforest logging, and improve the economic situation of the local people.

Paulownia trees, when farmed correctly, offer environmentally sustainable, high grade timber, faster than any other tree.

TGG's Mornington Peninsula (Victoria, Australia) Paulownia propagation facility which includes greenhouses with plant lighting to accelerate winter growth.