The making of an Aussie icon
Since our humble beginnings in 1925, when Henry Pope created the world's first travelling irrigation system in his Adelaide backyard shed, Pope products are now a staple in most Australian gardens.
1920s
World's first travelling irrigation system invented.
1950s
99% of Aussie homes have a Pope product.
1980s
Favourites like our 2hr tap timer introduced.
2000s
Focus on conserving our precious water resource.
Future
Continuous innovation to meet ever-changing needs.
Humble Beginnings
It all started in 1925 with Henry Pope in a Croydon Park backyard shed, using nothing more than a treadle lathe and hand tools to create the first Pope sprinklers. His simple idea of making gardening easier and more enjoyable quickly struck a chord with Australians.
By 1926, Pope had developed one of the world’s first travelling irrigation systems, and in 1928, Pope Sprinklers Limited became an official company. By the 1930s, the name “Pope Products” reflected a growing range of innovative garden and household solutions.
Strength in Adversity
As World War II began, Pope shifted from garden care to national service, manufacturing munitions, practice bombs, and vital components for the armed forces. By war’s end, over three million practice bombs had rolled off the production line.
When peace returned, Pope came home to the garden. The post-war years saw the introduction of iconic products like the Wimbledon lawn mower and high-quality secateurs, cementing Pope’s place in nearly every Australian backyard. By the 1950s, 99 percent of Australian homes had a Pope product.
Innovation Through the Decades
Pope has always been about innovation. From the 1960s onward, the range grew to include household appliances, cutting-edge irrigation tools, and backyard essentials. Standout inventions like the Pope Water Tractor travelling sprinkler, Canberra Sprinkler, and the ever-popular Tap Timer became symbols of Australian summers.
In 1997, Pope joined The Toro Company, aligning with a global leader in landscape and irrigation solutions while continuing to innovate for everyday gardeners.
100 Summers Together
Now part of AMES Australasia, Pope continues to evolve, offering water-saving irrigation systems, durable garden tools, and designs that suit the modern Australian home.
In 2025, Pope proudly celebrates 100 Summers Together, a century of keeping lawns green for backyard cricket, helping veggie patches flourish, and making gardens a place for memories.
From one man’s shed to one of Australia’s most trusted garden brands, Pope remains an icon of reliability, innovation, and outdoor living.
Win a Pope prize pack
In celebration of being part of Australian gardens for the last 100 summers, we're giving away a selection of our most iconic products – including a Pope Garden Hose, Tap Timer and Sprinklers.
Show us what you love about your garden, your family's fondest memories, your produce or your favourite Pope product – old or new – for a chance to win 1 of 5 packs every month and be featured in our 100 years campaign!
100 years of memories
