In this episode… Chris Weiss sits down with former A-League goalkeeper and now PhD candidate in sports psychology, Jamie Young, to explore the surprising parallels between elite sport and running a trade business. Jamie shares candid insights from his 20-year professional football career — the highs, the tough lessons, and the mindset shifts that c…

In this episode… Our host, Chris Weiss, chats with brand strategist and founder of BRND, Samantha Tait, about how landscaping businesses can harness the power of brand to stand out in a crowded market. Sam shares her journey from PE teacher to brand innovator, how storytelling outshines advertising, and why niching is more important than ever. They…

In this episode… Host Chris Weiss chats with the 2024 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards Apprentices of the Year—Caitlin Sanderson (Horticulture, Parks & Gardens) and Jessica Whatnall (Landscape Construction)—about their unique journeys into the landscaping industry, their career aspirations, and the lessons they’ve learned on site and at TAFE. Fr…

In this episode… Chris Weiss is joined by Peter Shaw—founder and creative director of Ocean Road Landscaping and author of Soulscapes: Connecting Gardens to Landscapes, for an honest and insightful conversation about building a career, a business, and a life rooted in the coastal environment of Anglesea. With over 30 years in the industry, Peter sh…

In this episode… Chris chats with Jane Jones from Jane Jones Landscapes, winner of the 2024 Landscape of the Year and Softscape of the Year awards for her spectacular Portsea Project. Jane shares the journey behind her five-year project, where collaboration, site-specific design, and ongoing maintenance were key to success. She discusses the evolut…

In this episode… Chris chats with Scott Tymkin, Director of Enkipools. Scott shares his journey from landscaping to leading a high-end pool construction business. He delves into industry challenges, the importance of process-driven operations, financial planning, and trends shaping the future of pool building. Key Takeaways The early years working …

In this episode… Chris is joined by Simon Rosa from Simon Rosa Landscaping. He shares his journey from landscaping apprentice to business owner, tackling everything from regional growth to staffing challenges and large-scale project management. He discusses the shift towards high-end landscaping in regional Victoria and the importance of balancing …

In this episode… Chris Weiss sits down with Associate Professor Claire Farrell, Director of the Burnley Campus at The University of Melbourne, to explore the role of plants in solving urban challenges. Claire shares her journey from studying plant ecology and dryland salinity to pioneering research in green infrastructure, green roofs, and low-main…

In this episode… Chris Weiss sits down with Matt Mansfield to explore the cutting-edge world of plant propagation and the future of horticulture. From Mansfield Propagation Nurseries’ 70+ year history to their state-of-the-art tissue culture lab and automation technologies, Matt shares insights into managing a large-scale nursery business. This epi…

In this episode… Chris Weiss is back and sits down with Cameron Hainsworth of Abcam Horticulture to explore his journey from casually working in nurseries to founding a thriving horticultural business. Cam shares insights on building a solid foundation in horticulture through apprenticeship and industry experience, the evolution of Abcam’s unique s…

Landscape designer Ros McCully shares her career journey from graphic design to successful landscape design with stand-in host Ritchie Hinton. Ros offers insights into balancing creativity, client collaboration, and sustainable practices. She highlights the importance of industry connections and adapting plant choices to fit clients’ needs and Vict…

Richie Hinton fills in for Chris in this episode of The Front Garden. He sits down with Mathew Wandmaker, a Board member of Landscaping Victoria and the owner of Blue Ridge Property Maintenance. Mathew shares his inspiring journey from working in the banking sector to founding a thriving garden maintenance business. He dives into the challenges and…

In this episode… In this episode of The Front Garden, guest host Ritchie Hinton steps in for Chris Weiss to chat with Lauren Bianchi, Marketing and Communications Officer at Landscaping Victoria, about marketing strategies for landscaping professionals. Lauren shares her background in marketing and communications, her journey to Landscaping Victori…

In this episode… Special guest host Richie Hinton, CEO of Landscaping Victoria, interviews Wayne De Klijn from AQL Landscape Design. Wayne shares his journey from interior landscaping to running a diverse landscape architecture and construction business. He discusses his approach to various projects, from botanical gardens to urban spaces, emphasis…

In this episode… Chris Weiss chats with Abby Kempe from Tradeswomen Australia (TWA), who shares insights on promoting gender diversity in the trades industry. Abby discusses TWA's role as a social enterprise, emphasising the importance of education and cultural change in creating inclusive workplaces. She explores the challenges and opportunities i…

In this episode… Chris chats with Michael Chapple from Urbane Landscape Construction, who shares his insights on growing a successful landscape business. Michael emphasises the importance of building a trusted team and offering comprehensive services. He discusses industry challenges, innovative techniques, and plans for Urbane, highlighting the va…

In this episode… Chris chats with experienced landscape designer Paul Pritchard, who shares insights on transitioning from construction to landscape design and his recent win at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS). He emphasises the importance of horticultural knowledge in landscaping and discusses industry trends towards susta…

After four years, co-host Tyson Owen bids farewell to Chris Weiss and The Front Garden podcast, reflecting on the podcast’s history, memorable moments, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Chris and Tyson look back on the podcast's journey from a COVID-era connection tool to a valuable industry resource and a good yarn, emphasising perseverance, …

In this episode… Chris & Tyson chat with landscaper Matt James and designer Nadia Cole about their experience creating a show garden for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. They discuss the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from collaborating on a high-profile project with tight deadlines and logistical hurdles. 🔔 Subscribe F…

Chris & Tyson chat with Ken Bartlett from Ace Contractors Group. Ken digs into the complexities of commercial landscaping, including working with major builders, extensive safety procedures, and challenges like tight budgets and workforce diversity. The episode provides insight into how large-scale landscaping projects differ from residential work,…

In this episode… Chris & Tyson chat with Emmaline Bowman from STEM Landscape Architecture & Design and Liam Riley from ID Landscaping Design & Construction. They discuss their experiences creating award-winning show gardens together at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS), highlighting the challenges, rewards, and lessons learne…

In this episode… Benjamin Warner, General Manager at Urban Development Landscapers (UDL) Group, chats with Chris and Tyson and takes us on a journey from milking cows to million-dollar developments. Benjamin took an adventurous path from studying landscape architecture in Canada to becoming the General Manager at UDL Group, one of Victoria's larges…

In this episode… Ross Anderson, the New Equipment Business Manager at William Adams CAT, joins Chris and Tyson to share his story or leaving Australia as a landscaper before returning several years later with experience running the state member association and getting involved in the heavy machinery industry. He provides insights into the landscapi…

Chris & Tyson chat to Chris Defina (Head of Sales) & Marc Jarvis (Head of Marketing) from Arborgreen (Presenting Partner of The Landscape Show) in the latest episode of The Front Garden. Arborgreen is an Australian, family-owned and run business. They sell products and materials for tree establishment and care. If the right product doesn’t exist th…

Join hosts Chris and Tyson as they chat with landscape architecture expert Nathan Burkett. From his beginnings in the industry to his shift from commercial to residential landscapes, Nathan shares his insights and experiences. Discover how the mentorship and guidance from Robert Boyle, shaped his career. Hear about Nathan's award-winning show garde…

Paul Bangay is Australia’s most sought-after garden designer, with close to forty years’ experience. Known for his mastery of scale, balance, form and colour, Paul draws on his lifelong study of the natural and classical worlds to create gardens around the globe. EPISODE LINKS: Paul Bangay Garden Design - https://www.paulbangay.com/ Got a suggestio…

Join hosts Chris and Tyson as they explore the world of sustainability with Simon, President of Sustainable Gardening Australia and Principal of Green Change Solutions. Discover how Simon's organization nurtures biodiversity, promote local food production, and drive sustainability. EPISODE LINKS: Sustainable Gardens Australia - https://www.sgaonlin…

Join hosts Chris and Tyson as they tackle the crucial topic of sun safety in Australia, the melanoma capital of the world. Justine Osborne, who is the Advocacy & Policy Manager of the SunSmart program at Cancer Council Victoria, shares essential tips to staying sun smart and challenges common misconceptions. Tyson also opens up about his own melano…

Hear from Landscaping Victoria’s new CEO, Ritchie Hinton, as he discusses a wide range of topics with our brilliant hosts, Chris & Tyson. As well as learning about Ritchie’s professional background and career to date (spoiler alert – he’s pretty sporty!), he shares his first impressions of LV, the broader landscaping industry and the organisation’s…

Join hosts Chris and Tyson as they chat with Thami Croeser, a passionate advocate for integrating green life into urban spaces. Thami discusses his passion for turning streets into eco-friendly havens, emphasizing the global trend of cities replacing parking spaces with green streets for the cooling, biodiversity and mental health benefits. He shar…

Join hosts Chris and Tyson as they explore the vibrant world of landscape design with guest speaker Scott Leung. From surveying to discovering a love for horticulture, Scott shares his journey, including landing his first job in the industry with Rick Eckersley and the mentorship experience. Explore the dynamic Eckersley office, where a team of six…

If you are new to the industry or starting up a business, tune in to hear from one of the best in the industry. Learn how the client onboarding and design process takes place, and how you can be a better designer overall, as Chris and Tyson chat to Darin Bradbury from MINT Landscape Design. Starting in the wine industry as a winemaker, judge and av…

Chris and Tyson review the year that was, both from an industry and podcasting perspective. They then gaze into their crystal ball to speculate on 2024 and how that will shape up for the industry, as well as answer questions from listeners received via our SpeakPipe messaging service! You too can pose a question for the lads to answer, or make a su…

An insightful episode as where we sit down with Paul Leesment, the visionary behind Supreme Green, who shares his remarkable journey spanning over 21 years in the landscaping industry. Discover how, after a decade of experience, Paul identified a unique niche in new home landscaping. Focused on providing clients with a comprehensive solution, Supre…

In this episode, hosts Chris and Tyson sit down with the talented Anthony Scott, delving into his journey from landscape construction to design. Anthony shares insights on avoiding undervaluation as a designer and emphasizes the importance of strategic pricing. Tune in as he reflects on judging at the 2023 Industry Awards, highlighting the growth h…

A dedicated episode talking to Rob Schaasberg from Builders Edge Consulting about every aspect of building registration, permits and more. Take a deep dive into the regulations that drive building and construction in Victoria and get a clear understanding as to your obligations as a structural landscaper. LVML also offer listeners the chance to wat…

Chris & Tyson chat with some of the Boutique Garden Finalists for 2024 who will be competing for glory at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Paul Pritchard, Daniel Althaus, Sam Collie and Craig McLachlan share their past encounters with show gardens, from being student garden participants to having participated at Chelsea, and what t…

As a second generation family-business owner, Kate originally came from the travel industry to help her father for a small time, but ended up staying! Then she also brought her engineer husband in for a short period, and he's still there to this day too, as is her brother, parents and her parents who originally started Compass Pools. Some 26 years …

Working in a partnership with her landscaper husband, Sam, Emily speaks candidly about the pressures of business in general, but with the added layer of balancing work and life when there is a clear cross-over. Touching on how to take a family holiday whilst leaving procedures in place, wills, insurances... all the un-sexy but vitally important inf…

Loving his job so much that he'd do it for free, (well, almost!), Kallee Sas built his business through Covid and specialises in irrigation installations. Father of four boys under 4yo and former Pro Wrestler, Kallee has taken irrigation installation to the next level. Starting as a landscaper but discovering irrigation along the way, he is a passi…

Swapping from studying Art, to Interior Design, Bethany still didn't discover Landscape Architecture until she was working in a furniture store and found herself bored by curtains. With a strong desire to keep studying she discovered Landscape Architecture. Working for herself after a long stint with an established firm, it took some time for Betha…

After a false start with a Commerce degree, landscaping got its claws into Bronson and he worked his way through a variety of experiences to build the very successful Melbourne Landscape Co., specialising in commercial play spaces. Taken aback by all the double handling in management systems and processes available and the heavy administrative requ…

Chris and Tyson uncover the secrets of building playgrounds with Cam Grant (Landstruct) and the benefits of battery powered OPE with Cam Hainsworth (Abcam) before exploring the benefits of entering the LVML Awards program. Abcam's master plan to grow their business included entering the awards for the first time in 2022 with the intent of taking ou…

"People don't buy what you do, they buy they way you do it." Paul Hamilton shares his learnings from 15 years in business and then opens up about his diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of cancer which has led to his turnaround career into a business coach and leader. The importance of looking after yourself, your family and your relationship…

In this episode, Chris and Tyson dive into the latest landscaping technology with Kerl Kudos from Madewell Products, alongside Paul Smith from Capiphon. EPISODE LINKS: Madewell Products : https://www.madewellproducts.com/ Capiphon: https://capiphonvictoria.com.au/ TFG Sponsor: Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscap…

Guests in this episode join Chris and Tyson to talk about career pathways in landscaping, including Russ Sweetman from Maroondah Landscapes who is joined by employees Mark, Nicole, and Alex who talk about their in-house Apprenticeship Academy. Rob Schaasberg from Builders Edge then takes the mic to talk about how landscapers can go about getting th…

Chris and Tyson chat to James Webster from Worksafe, Mark Osborne from Sunsmart and Chris Minke from Felco, about the importance of safety on the worksite. They discuss how you can ensure you are being safe in the sun and on the tools. Tune in to learn expert tips on how to prioritise workplace safety as an integral part of your daily activity. Thi…

David chats to Chris and Tyson about business, delving into the costs associated with operating. the pressure that places on businesses and his thoughts for the future of the industry. EPISODE LINKS: Coolabah Landscapes - https://www.coolabahlandscapes.com.au/ TFG Sponsor: Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscaping …

From cycling around Europe to training as a masseuse, the path to becoming a Landscape architect has been far from traditional for Liz Herbert. In her current role at Openwork, Liz speaks about the depth, and importance, of background research that goes into developing public gardens such as the Healing Garden at Heide Museum. Liz is also deeply in…

Many listeners ask Chris and Tyson to address business issues and in this episode we hear from one of the most experienced business operators we know. Pat Kasso, from Rocks Plus, started in the corporate sector as an accountant, and after decades developing his craft as an inspirational CEO he shares his knowledge and experience on The Front Garden…