The Front Garden
Landscaping Victoria brings you the latest in landscaping news, trends, and ideas by sharing some stories from people within the industry to help make your landscaping career a little easier.
Episodes
123 episodes
From Paving to People: Building a Resilient Landscaping Business with Ashley Kellett | The Front Garden EP133
In this episode…Ashley Kellett from Global Landscapes chats with Adam about learning through mistakes, quoting with clarity, choosing the right materials for site and climate, balancing family life with work, and mentoring the nex...
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Season 13
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Episode 133
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39:32
Game-Changing Concrete Solutions with Madewell Products | The Front Garden EP132
TL;DRA practical deep-dive into contractor-first innovation with Madewell Products covering fibreglass reinforcement (GFRP), reusable formwork, architectural concrete know-how, and the on-site support that helps landscapers delive...
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Season 13
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Episode 132
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47:15
Diversify to Thrive: Kahl Gaffke’s Growth Story | The Front Garden Ep131
TL;DR: Kahl Gaffke reveals how diversification, resilience and family focus built Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping into a multi-arm landscaping business ready for interstate growth.In this episode…From m...
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Season 13
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Episode 131
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31:20
Recipe for Landscaping Success: Why Great Gardens Start Below the Surface with Rob Mihailescu | The Front Garden Ep130
TL;DR: Former chef turned horticulturist Rob Mihailescu shares how he built The Cutting Hedge into a trusted name by putting soil science and sustainability first. From swales to soil prep, this episode dishes up insights on creating g...
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Season 12
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Episode 130
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38:50
Pricing, Permits & Paid Consults: Building Smarter Landscaping Businesses with Angela Maroney | The Front Garden EP129
TL;DR: Landscape architect and educator Angela Maroney shares 30+ years of lessons on pricing with confidence, nailing permits and approvals, and switching from free site visits to paid consultations. We dig into systems, t...
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Season 12
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Episode 129
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43:13
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health with Kurt Everard from TIACS | The Front Garden EP128
In this episode…It’s a milestone episode for The Front Garden as Adam Hompas takes the reins as host for the very first time. A landscaper by trade and long-time supporter of the show, Adam steps into the role with...
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Season 12
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Episode 128
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43:07
From Jim’s Mowing to $2M Contracts: Westland Group’s Commercial Evolution | The Front Garden EP127
TL;DRFrom humble beginnings with a wheelbarrow and a shovel, Westland Commercial Group has grown into a powerhouse commercial landscaping business delivering multi-million-dollar projects with an integrated team. In Chris Weiss’s ...
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Season 12
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Episode 127
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45:34
Supporting the Shift: How CLS Fosters Career Change & Business Growth | The Front Garden EP126
In this episode...Host Chris Weiss (Formation Landscapes) is joined by Joel Emmins and Alex Gow from Complete Landscape Solutions to explore the evolution of a business built on strong values, steady growth, a...
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Season 12
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Episode 126
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47:35
Family, Growth, and Green Futures with Samuel Fragapane from All Green Nursery & Garden | The Front Garden EP124
In this episode…Chris sits down with Samuel Fragapane from All Green Nursery, a family-run business with a rich 45-year history in Melbourne’s west. Samuel shares how his grandparents’ humble beginnings selling plants ...
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Season 12
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Episode 125
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41:59
Designing with Nature: Jocelyn Bennett on Native Gardens & striking Gold at MIFGS | The Front Garden EP124
In this episode…Our host, Chris Weiss, chats with Jocelyn Bennett from Earthcore Landscapes, the design force behind the gold-winning Boutique Garden at the 2025 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.Jocelyn shar...
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Season 12
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Episode 124
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34:49
Plantology: Passion & Planting Wisdom with Lisa Ellis & Teena Crawford | The Front Garden EP123
In this episode…Our host, Chris Weiss, is joined by plant-loving power duo Lisa Ellis and Teena Crawford, co-authors of the groundbreaking new book Plantology. With over 60 years of combined experience in land...
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Season 12
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Episode 123
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43:18
Turf Tech & Trade Secrets with Dave Geltch | The Front Garden EP122
In this episode…Chris Weiss sits down with Dave ‘Geltchy’ Geltch, General Manager of Farms at Coolabah Turf, to explore the evolving world of turf production. Dave brings a unique perspective as a landscaper-turned-far...
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Season 12
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Episode 122
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32:44
Mindset over Muscle with Jamie Young | The Front Garden EP121
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.Jami...
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Season 12
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Episode 121
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41:24
Branding Beyond the Build with Samantha Tait | The Front Garden EP120
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 ...
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35:52
Shaping the Future of Landscaping with Caitlin Sanderson & Jessica Whatnall | The Front Garden EP119
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 uniqu...
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Season 11
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Episode 119
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34:23
Growing a Landscaping Business with Purpose with Peter Shaw | The Front Garden EP118
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 build...
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Season 11
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Episode 18
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37:54
Mastering Coastal Landscapes with Jane Jones | The Front Garden EP114
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 ...
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Season 11
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Episode 17
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33:37
Building Pools, Building Business with Scott Tymkin | The Front Garden EP116
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 p...
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Season 11
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Episode 16
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41:18
Landscaping Smarter, Not Harder with Simon Rosa | The Front Garden EP115
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 projec...
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Season 11
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Episode 15
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38:48
Plants with Purpose: Urban Greening with Associate Professor Claire Farrell from Melbourne University| The Front Garden EP114
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...
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Season 11
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Episode 14
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36:27
The Future of Horticulture with Matt Mansfield | The Front Garden EP113
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 tiss...
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Season 11
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Episode 113
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38:03
From Apprenticeship to Thriving Business Owner: Growing a Career in Horticulture with Cameron Hainsworth | The Front Garden Podcast EP 112
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 insigh...
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Season 11
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Episode 112
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36:35
From Graphic Design to Garden Design: Creativity, Client Relationships, and Building a Thriving Solo Business with Ros McCully | The Front Garden EP 111
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 h...
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Season 11
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Episode 111
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44:09
From Mowers to Million-Dollar Maintenance: The Evolution of Blue Ridge Property Maintenance with Mathew Wandmaker | EP110
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 ...
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Season 10
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Episode 110
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42:58
Marketing Tips for Landscaping Professionals with Lauren Bianchi | The Front Garden EP109
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 land...
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Season 10
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Episode 109
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39:37