After purchasing a land holding on Langmeil Road in Tanunda, he began experimenting, growing bundles of various seedlings, potatoes and onions in large garden beds at the back of the property. Eric and his wife Audrey, often under torch light once the children were in bed, would wrap them in newspaper and sold them from the front door of the house as well as the florist in Tanunda and other local businesses in the Barossa. Seedling bundles sold for 2c each, except for pansy’s which were sold for 3c each because the seed was more expensive. Over time, as the business grew, the family opened up a little shop known as Barossa Garden Centre located on the corner of what is now the Tourist Information Centre in Tanunda. After adding offerings such as hardware and more varieties of plants, the business moved to a larger premises in front of Foodland still in Tanunda. The business continued to grow with their son Kevin starting full-time work at the age of 15 at the production site and was joined by his sister Dianne who ran the shop.