Prasads Home and Garden provides a haven of peace on The Parade

As a young man, Abel Prasad’s father spent long days working in Fijian market gardens. But when he moved to Australia and became a doctor, his own garden became a place of relaxation for his family, so it’s no surprise that his son was drawn to a business where he could be surrounded by greenery. 

That’s literally the case at Prasads Home and Garden, which stands out from its neighbours thanks to a rich forest green exterior. Since taking over the business in 2018, Prasad has expanded the range to include everything from individual plants and pots to entire greenhouses. And by fostering close relationships with local landscapers and builders who can design an entire garden from scratch, he’s turned the business into a one-stop-shop for green thumbs and beginners alike. 

But once you step inside, a cursory browse reveals that garden supplies are just the beginning; the shelves are stocked with a wide range of giftwares, jewellery and statement pieces for the home. There’s even an online store that exports to the US, Canada and New Zealand and Prasad is currently adding to the inventory, which will soon hit 3000 items. 

He is at pains to point out that the store is more than simply a place to do business, though. Prasads is a space where customers can slow down and breathe. “We have a café called Foliage inside, but it’s not your average coffee shop,” says the young entrepreneur. The food is inspired by both Prasad’s Fijian heritage and his wife’s Vietnamese background, but it’s the atmosphere that really sets it apart.

“We've got books you can read when you come here, we've got people you can talk to and often I'll sit down with customers myself. One of our regular customers is a gentleman whose wife passed away recently so we’ll sit down and talk every couple of days.” This welcoming philosophy is a tribute to Prasad’s late sister Raji, a psychiatrist who “had a strong focus on mental health and was always ready to help other people.” 

“We want everyone to be able to have beautiful pieces in their homes,” he says, “but we also want the store to be very homely. It’s a space for people to come and just chill out. We're inviting of all cultures, religions and orientations so when you walk in, you're in a safe space.”