The Front Garden

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 mowing lawns with a flat-deck Victa to managing multi-acre government contracts, diversifying into plant propagation, and even launching a NSW branch, Kahl Gaffke’s story is all about building r...

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 gardens that thrive. In this episode… From the precision of fine dining to the science of soil health, Rob Mihailescu’s career shift from chef to horticulturist is an...

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, time tracking, dispute-prevention, and why continuing education and a strong network protect both your profit and your sanity. In this episode… It’s a masterclass in business sm...

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 a powerful conversation featuring Kurt Everard from TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) . TIACS provides free, professional mental health counselling to Australia’s blue-collar work...

TL;DR From 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 final episode as host, we hear how trust, culture, and bold moves have shaped Westland’s journey, and what’s next for The Front Garden . In this episode… In this milesto...

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, and supportive leadership. From apprentice to designer, Joel Emmins’ landscaping journey is anything but ordinary.  Joel shares his transition from landscape construction into design followin...

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 from their backyard evolved into a multifaceted operation spanning retail, wholesale, garden supplies, and soil production with over 100 staff. They dive into the lessons and chall...

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 shares her unconventional path from engineering student to landscape designer, the challenges and triumphs of showcasing a native garden at MIFGS, and the power of design and cons...

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 landscape design and horticulture, Lisa and Teena walk us through the five-year journey of co-writing this beautifully curated resource, packed with nearly 200 detailed plant profiles, practic...

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-farmer, offering a deep dive into the intersection of landscaping, horticulture and agriculture. The conversation spans from robotic mowers and turf innovation to site prep best pract...

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 carried him through nearly 600 games. He unpacks t...

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 explore simple but powerful strategies for landsc...

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 pl...

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...

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...

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 with Ian Barker and the transition to Ian Barke...

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...

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: Green infrastr...

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 chall...

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 b...

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. 🔔 Subscribe for More Landscaping...

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 sh...

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 sm...

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, co...

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,...