Building a Landscaping Business from the Ground Up with Shem Quilliam | The Front Garden EP148
In this episode…
What does it really take to build a landscaping business from the ground up?
In this episode of The Front Garden, host Adam Hompas sits down with Shem Quilliam from Cedarscapes to unpack a career that has taken him from landscape apprentice to subcontractor, building foreman, project coordinator and, ultimately, business owner.
Shem shares some of the lessons he learnt in the early days of running a business, particularly around pricing work accurately and accounting for everything that happens beyond the physical installation. From site preparation and access to material handling, labour, unexpected ground conditions and delays, he explains why experience on the tools is only one part of getting a quote right.
The conversation also explores Shem's approach to planning larger projects, including working backwards through the construction sequence and bringing in external expertise, such as quantity surveyors, to provide a second set of eyes over complex tenders.
A recurring theme throughout the episode is communication. Shem and Adam discuss the importance of keeping clients informed, explaining the reasoning behind decisions, following up after quotes and working collaboratively with builders, suppliers and other trades to keep projects moving.
Shem also reflects on knowing when a project or client may not be the right fit, the value of building strong industry relationships, and how his experience across landscaping, construction and project management continues to shape the direction of Cedarscapes.
To finish, Shem shares his involvement in planning work with Rapid Housing and Rotary, supporting projects that provide relocatable housing options for communities impacted by natural disasters.
It’s an honest conversation about learning through experience, asking for help when you need it, backing your knowledge and building a business one project, relationship and lesson at a time.
Key Takeaways
Price the whole job, not just the task.
Good quoting means considering site preparation, access, labour, material handling, equipment, delays and the unexpected—not simply how long the physical installation should take.
Work backwards when planning a project.
Starting with the finished landscape and working back through each stage can help identify the sequence of works, labour requirements and costs before the job begins.
Outside expertise can be money well spent.
For larger tenders, engaging a quantity surveyor can provide another perspective on pricing, identify items that may have been missed and help improve future quoting systems.
Know the conditions you’re working with.
Ground conditions, access and site constraints can dramatically affect the time and cost of a project. Local knowledge and early conversations with clients can help manage expectations.
Communication builds confidence.
Keeping clients, builders and trades informed—and explaining the reasoning behind decisions—can prevent confusion, strengthen relationships and make projects run more smoothly.
Not every job needs to be your job.
Sometimes the best business decision is to propose an alternative, refer the work to someone better suited or recognise when a project simply isn’t the right fit.
Relationships create opportunities.
For Shem, much of Cedarscapes' work has grown through word of mouth and strong relationships with clients, builders and industry contacts.
Your experience can take you beyond the traditional landscaping path.
Shem's background across landscaping, construction and project management has opened the door to broader opportunities, including community-focused housing projects.
🔔 Follow The Front Garden so you don’t miss any future episodes.
👁️🗨️ About Shem Quilliam and Cedarscapes
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.
Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.
Entries close Friday, 4 September.
Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.
Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence.
Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au
The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide.
Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au
Building a Landscaping Business from the Ground Up with Shem Quilliam | The Front Garden EP148
46:46