The Front Garden

Chris and Tyson speak with Simon Buchanan of Landart Landscape Design & Construction. After pivoting from graphic design to landscaping after Year 12, Simon discusses how he got his start with Scott Wynd, his experience in competitive show garden builds,  and how he's expanded his pipeline of landscaping projects through his pool business, Striking Pools. EPISODE LINKS: Landart Landscape...

Chris and Tyson speak with Scott Wynd of TLC Pools and MINT Design about his start in the landcaping industry, his extensive experience building show gardens - both in Australia, and overseas at the Chelsea Garden Show  - his involvement at MINT Design, and his decision to focus his career on high-end pool construction. EPISODE LINKS: TLC Pools - https://www.tlcpools.com.au/ MINT Design - https://...

A bumper episode recorded live at The Landscape Show 2022! Chris and Tyson kick off the session with Jason Banks from This Is A Conversation Starter (TIACS). They discuss how TIACS was founded by the founders of social enterprise, Trademutt, and how the initiative is providing mental health support to tradies and their families across Australia. They also chat with Russ Sweetman of Maroondah Lands...

Chris and Tyson chat with industry stalwart and 'reformed landscaper' Brian Rankin about his introduction to landscaping  42 years ago, how he started his own business, his decision to sell his share of the business in 2014, and his new career working in the pool industry.  Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message! Entries are now open for the 2026 Vict...

John Rayner takes us inside his 40+ year career and takes listeners through his career, what he learnt, why he became a teacher, and of course about the development of the wildly popular Burnley Plant Guide, previously an exclusive tool for students, which is now available to all experts in horticulture and landscaping. The culmination of decades of work by many experts, you can access all the inf...

Tyson and Chris chat with LV CEO, Megan Flower, about her background, her job as CEO, the role of the Association, and how members can get the most out of their LV membership. 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 achiev...

Ben Beaumont, from Vectorworks Australia, and Kate Smalley, from Small Spaces Garden Design, talk about how 3D design software Vectorworks can be used in landscaping. 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. E...

In this episode, Chris and Tyson catch up with Mike Jansz, founder of MJLC Landscapes, to discuss how he established, grew, and ultimately transitioned out of his successful landscaping business.  In short, Jansz took his chance, put on his bog boy pants, used plants, and did a happy dance! Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message! Entries are now open for the 20...

Emma Permezel, of Coolabah Landscapes, discusses the ins and outs of Council planning applications, and managing the red tape - and client expectations - for pool and landscape construction projects. 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 cele...

Sean Dowling of Bayon Gardens talks with Chris and Tyson about importance of body awareness as a landscaper, and the proactive measures he's taking to safeguard the physical health and wellbeing of his team while on the job.  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, b...

Running your own business can be challenging.  In this episode, hosts Chris Weiss, of Formation Landscapes, and Tyson Owen, of Signature Landscapes, share their collective wisdom from over 20 years in business in the landscaping industry.  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 you...

Daryl Tomlins has been a stalwart of the Victorian landscaping industry over the last five decades. As a past President of Landscaping Victoria (1977-1980), he has been a strong advocate for the advancement of the Landscaping Industry. He discusses how he got started as a landscaper, his involvement in kickstarting the apprenticeship program in Victoria, as well as some personal anecdotes from wor...

Chris and Tyson talk to Andrew Laidlaw of Laidlaw Design  and his experience in the Landscaping Industry for over 30 years. Andrew has also been working at the Royal Botanic Gardens for 25+ years where horticulture is the key focus.  He outlines how funding comes in to create new projects within the gardens and unveils some of his favourite projects. Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Ga...

Brendan Condon takes us through one of the more niche areas of the landscaping industry - but shows it's growth and its potential to expand over the next few years.  He explains the ethos behind Australian Ecosystems and outlines some of their projects, including current progress and environmental benefits  of the carbon neutral housing estate at Cape Paterson. Brendan gives Chris and Tyson s...

From a junior administrator at Melbourne Football Club, Cameron was appointed CEO at  Richmond Footback Club at the age of 24. He's had quite the journey from that point onwards.  Sport has given him some of the great experiences of life, which he now shares with others, helping businesses with leadership through his company, Design CEO.  Cameron takes us through his journey and explains how...

Ed Ross from " This is a Conversation Starter" (TIACS) talks to Tyson and Chris about how the charity was formed and how they provide free access to mental health professionals to tradies, truckies, blue collar workers and those who care about them. 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...

Craig Evans and Cameron Russo talk materials shortages and the increased need for planning. 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 V...

From butcher to service station owner, to franchisee and eventual owner of Maroondah Landscapes, Russ Sweetman’s journey is certainly different to most!   Hear about some of the challenges Russ was faced with along the way – it’s an inspirational story about keeping your glass half full. Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if you've got a question, a suggestion for a topic or a guest you’d l...

Paul Buckley of MAPEI takes listeners through his journey in the industry, starting with working alongside his 3 brothers in the family business.  Since then, Paul's been with MAPEI for 24 years and has a wealth of information to share.   Hear the common pitfalls in laying stone, learn some new tips and techniques and hear about the new products on the market that take into account our unique...

This episode Chris and Tyson chat with John van de Linde, past LVML president and stalwart of the Landscaping Industry.   Find out how John started in the nursery trade - and how he moved into landscaping (hint: it was because he was told you could make a million dollars in 6 months!)  John is extremely passionate about the industry, and highlights the importance of talking with other people, seei...

Join us as Don Thomson and Stewart Detez discuss their incredible work introducing horticultural studies into the community of Vietnam. With a course currently being taught to a class of 8 students at the DaNang Social Support Centre by Swinburne’s Stewart Detez (delivered via Skype fortnightly), the students are currently on course to complete their studies by the end of 2021. Following the succe...

Join us as Phillip Withers (of Phillip Withers Landscape Design ) offers valuable insight into the world of landscape design – whether it be residential or commercial projects, or works on stunning boutique show gardens. From the design and development of a project through to documentation of the work, Phillip Withers provides priceless advice for new and emerging designers in the industry. Email...

The well-respected Ian Barker (of Ian Barker Gardens ) provides valuable insight on company saleability, staff management, and business structure – discussing the importance of both hard work and a healthy work/life balance. Join as Ian walks us through his career: from leaving school at 15 to work with Tim Jackett – one of LVML’s founders – to establishing his own business in 1996, and now buildi...

The knowledgeable Mitchell Zadow (of Sharrock Pitman Legal ) discusses all things domestic building contracts! As a vital part of running a successful landscaping business, familiarising yourself with the world of contracts is essential – educating yourself on your own obligations, as well as the client or property owner’s. Join as Mitchell walks us through the ins-and-outs of contracts and how to...

The experienced Myles Baldwin (of Myles Baldwin Design ) discusses his incredible entrance into the landscaping industry, and his journey and success into the modern day. From beginning his own business at the age of 20, to taking on his first huge job (building a heritage garden) two years later, and maintaining his name as an esteemed designer today – follow as Myles takes the boys through his j...