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.
From pushing barrows of concrete to designing planter boxes for public spaces, Caitlin and Jess share how they found their passion in landscaping, coming from different backgrounds but with a shared determination to grow.
In this inspiring episode, Caitlin and Jess open up about navigating the challenges of being women in a traditionally male-dominated trade, the value of supportive mentors, and how hands-on experience is shaping their future.
Key takeaways:
Whether you’re an apprentice, mentor, or industry leader, this episode is a reminder of why supporting the next generation matters—and what it looks like when young professionals thrive.
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👁️🗨️ About Caitlin Sanderson and Jessica Whatnall
- Website: Caitlin Sanderson Awards Profile – Landscaping Victoria
- Website: Jessica Whatnall Awards Profile – Landscaping Victoria
- LinkedIn: @Manningham Council and @Mark Gabell And Associates
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 shares the evolution of Ocean Road Landscaping from a humble ute-based operation into a thriving design, construction, and maintenance business with nearly 30 staff.
He opens up about the importance of designing gardens that belong to their place, leading with values, and finding harmony between work and life.
From staff retention to cash flow forecasting, Peter offers practical advice for landscaping professionals looking to build a sustainable business.
Key takeaways:
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👁️🗨️ About Peter Shaw
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 evolution of her design philosophy, the challenges of working in a coastal environment, and why strong client relationships make all the difference.
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👁️🗨️ About Jane Jones
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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
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👁️🗨️ About Scott Tymkin
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 design, construction, and maintenance to deliver top-tier results.
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✍️ Review our show on Apple Podcasts
👁️🗨️ About Simon Rosa
Website: www.simonrosalandscaping.com
Facebook: Simon Rosa Landscaping
Instagram: @simonrosalandscaping
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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-maintenance plantings.
Key takeaways:
Tune in for expert insights on designing resilient landscapes, the future of urban greening, and how innovative planting strategies can transform our cities.
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👁️🗨️ About Associate Professor Claire Farrell
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the landscaping and nursery industries. It addresses the disconnect between landscapers and horticulture and the need for better collaboration in the supply chain.
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👁️🗨️ About Matt Mansfield
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 service packages, and the importance of aligning business growth with personal values.
He also highlights the role of mentorship, client relationships, and his participation in industry awards and show gardens. Gain valuable perspectives on tailoring services to client needs, managing work-life balance, and fostering long-term business sustainability in the landscaping industry.
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👁️🗨️ About Cameron Hainsworth
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 Victoria’s climate.
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👁️🗨️ About Ros McCully
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 triumphs of starting small, his decision to shift from residential to commercial maintenance, and his passion for keeping things hands-on while scaling his operations.
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👁️🗨️ About Mathew Wandmaker
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 Victoria, and provides valuable insights and tips for small to medium businesses in the landscaping industry. She shares five essential marketing tips for landscaping professionals;
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👁️🗨️ About Lauren Bianchi
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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, emphasising the importance of adaptability in design, consideration of climate change, and the value of well-designed public spaces.
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👁️🗨️ About Wayne De Klijn
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 in attracting and retaining women in trades, highlighting the value of open conversations and practical solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Abby explains that everyone can contribute to shaping a more inclusive industry, whether you're a small residential landscaping company or a large corporation. It starts with a simple conversation: Where are you at, and where do you want to be?
Some key takeaways from this episode:
🔧 How TWA balances immediate impact with long-term cultural change
🏗️ The importance of psychosocial change in the trades industry
💡 Practical steps for businesses to create more inclusive work environments
🤝 Why open, judgment-free conversations are crucial for progress
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👁️🗨️ About Abby Kempe
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 value of professional development and client education in the evolving landscaping market.
Some key takeaways from this episode:
🌱 How to go from a one-man show to full-service landscape pros
🏗️ Becoming a Registered Building Practitioner
💡 Game-changing materials you need to know about
💰 Pricing strategies for 2024 and beyond
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👁️🗨️ About Michael Chapple
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 sustainability and new materials.
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👁️🗨️ About Paul Pritchard
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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, valuing yourself, and the importance of sharing diverse experiences in the landscaping field.
Tyson shares his most memorable episodes:
From the team at The Front Garden Podcast, Landscaping Victoria, and our listeners… thanks for the memories, Tyson. Cracking innings!
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👁️🗨️ About Tyson Owen | Signature Landscapes
The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.
Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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.
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👁️🗨️ About Matt James | Atlas Concrete & Landscapes
👁️🗨️ About Nadia Cole | Platylobium Landscape Design
The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.
Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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, highlighting the importance of relationships, systems, and adapting to market conditions.
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👁️🗨️ About Ken Bartlett | Ace Contractors Group
The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.
Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 learned from participating in the event.
They emphasise the importance of collaboration, detailed planning, and authenticity in design for success in landscaping.
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👁️🗨️ About Emmaline Bowman | STEM Landscape Architecture & Design
👁️🗨️ About Liam Riley | ID Landscaping Design & Construction
The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.
Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/
Botanix Plant Supply: https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 largest commercial landscaping companies.
UDL operates on a massive scale, constructing major projects, including sprawling streetscapes, parklands with giant sculptures, and complex wetland systems for developers and councils. With over 100 employees, Benjamin covers how dot-the-i's processes, innovative tech, and old-fashioned community partnerships are mission-critical.
👁️🗨️ About UDL Group & Benjamin Warner
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The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 landscaping industry's challenges, the role of associations, sustainable equipment developments at CAT, and how they engage the residential landscaping market.
🔔 Follow for More Landscaping Industry Insights | The Front Garden Podcast
👁️🗨️ About Ross Anderson and William Adams CAT
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 they will invent it! They are passionate about your success and will help you to achieve your botanical goals quickly and cost-effectively.
EPISODE LINKS:
Arborgreen - https://www.arborgreen.com.au/
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 garden at MIFGS and gain valuable insights into his creative process.
Tune in now!
EPISODE LINKS
Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture - https://www.nathanburkett.com.au/
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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 suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au
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.sgaonline.org.au/
TFG Sponsor: MRL Media - https://mrlmedia.com.au/
Landscaping Victoria - https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/
Become an LVML Member - https://www.masterlandscaper.com.au
Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!
The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au