The Front Garden

Swapping from studying Art, to Interior Design, Bethany still didn't discover Landscape Architecture until she was working in a furniture store and found herself bored by curtains. With a strong desire to keep studying she discovered Landscape Architecture. Working for herself after a long stint with an established firm, it took some time for Bethany to find her own style but creating an emot...

After a false start with a Commerce degree, landscaping got its claws into Bronson and he worked his way through a variety of experiences to build the very successful Melbourne Landscape Co., specialising in commercial play spaces. Taken aback by all the double handling in management systems and processes available and the heavy administrative requirements, Bronson was frustrated by current market...

Chris and Tyson uncover the secrets of building playgrounds with Cam Grant (Landstruct) and the benefits of battery powered OPE with Cam Hainsworth (Abcam) before exploring the benefits of entering the LV Awards program. Abcam's master plan to grow their business included entering the awards for the first time in 2022 with the intent of taking out a win to build exposure and confidence, (whic...

"People don't buy what you do, they buy they way you do it." Paul Hamilton shares his learnings from 15 years in business and then opens up about his diagnosis with a rare and aggressive form of cancer which has led to his turnaround career into a business coach and leader. The importance of looking after yourself, your family and your relationships is highlighted in this compelling...

In this episode, Chris and Tyson dive into the latest landscaping technology with Kerl Kudos from Madewell Products, alongside Paul Smith from Capiphon. EPISODE LINKS: Madewell Products : https://www.madewellproducts.com/   Capiphon: https://capiphonvictoria.com.au/ TFG Sponsor: Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers - https://www.la...

Guests in this episode join Chris and Tyson to talk about career pathways in landscaping, including Russ Sweetman from Maroondah Landscapes who is joined by employees Mark, Nicole, and Alex who talk about their in-house Apprenticeship Academy. Rob Schaasberg from Builders Edge then takes the mic to talk about how landscapers can go about getting their builders license with the VBA through LVML&apo...

Chris and Tyson chat to James Webster from Worksafe, Mark Osborne from Sunsmart and Chris Minke from Felco, about the importance of safety on the worksite. They discuss how you can ensure you are being safe in the sun and on the tools.  Tune in to learn expert tips on how to prioritise workplace safety as an integral part of your daily activity. This is a killer episode full of the usual fun bante...

David chats to Chris and Tyson about business, delving into the costs associated with operating. the pressure that places on businesses and his thoughts for the future of the industry. EPISODE LINKS: Coolabah Landscapes - https://www.coolabahlandscapes.com.au/ TFG Sponsor: Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers - https://www.landscap...

From cycling around Europe to training as a masseuse, the path to becoming a Landscape architect has been far from traditional for Liz Herbert. In her current role at Openwork, Liz speaks about the depth, and importance, of background research that goes into developing public gardens such as the Healing Garden at Heide Museum. Liz is also deeply interested in Therapeutic Horticulture and talks abo...

Many listeners ask Chris and Tyson to address business issues and in this episode we hear from one of the most experienced business operators we know. Pat Kasso, from Rocks Plus, started in the corporate sector as an accountant, and after decades developing his craft as an inspirational CEO he shares his knowledge and experience on The Front Garden  as to how businesses can survive and thrive  in...

Clint Adams is a wearer of many hats. Not only does he manage 3 businesses in South Australia (Waterpro, Railways and Lawnhub), but he is also the President of Master Landscapers South Australia (MLSA) and a regular podcaster!  Join Chris and Tyson as they uncover his back story; where he came from and his passion for making change, not only in the Landscaping Industry but for businesses, business...

 In this episode, Chris & Tyson talk to Kirsten Raynor of Tree Logic.  Her career in the Australian arboricultural industry is a far cry from medieval studies at University! She provides some pearls of wisdom around managing issues such as soil compaction and tree protection.  EPISODE LINKS: Treelogix - https://www.treelogic.com.au  Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.a...

In this episode, Chris & Tyson talk to Brent Reid from Candeo Design about his career to date, including a fascinating 2&1/2 years as a landscape designer in the Middle East.  Brent is a self-confessed addict of show gardens, and with good reason, too!  Brent is instrumental in developing the next generation of show garden designers though the London College of Garden Design Melbourne (lcg...

In this episode, Chris & Tyson talk to Alistair Kirkpatrick from Stratis Landscape Architecture about his career to date and his passion for creating gardens at MIFGS designed to educate visitors on environmental concerns such as the impact of using plastics in our environment.  EPISODE LINKS: Stratis Landscape Architecture - https:// www.stratisla.com Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.bota...

In this episode, Brad Andrews (Brad Andrews Landscaping) & Zac Connell (Evergreen Garden Landscape Solutions) talk to Chris & Tyson about the challenges & rewards of running landscaping businesses in regional Victoria. EPISODE LINKS: Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers - https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/ Become a...

With over 30 years’ experience in the turf industry, Bruce is a Senior Agronomist with the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association.  Bruce takes Chris and Tyson on a journey from his beginnings as an apprentice at Patterson River Golf Club in the mid-1980s, a turf management lecturer at Chisholm Institute of TAFE where he taught the Certificate II and III Sports Turf Management and Parks and G...

From pubs to pools, Chris Samartzis, CEO of Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA ), has a long history working in, and supporting small businesses. Chris sits down with The Front Garden this week to talk about the evolution of the Master Pool Builders Association Australia (MPBAA ), how it rebranded from SPASA Victoria, the importance of good governance, and the work currently being d...

Could a business mentor be the secret to success? This week Chris and Tyson discuss the benefits of business mentoring with Ian Barker of Ian Barker Gardens, and David Bascombe of Green Exteriors. When David decided it was time for a new challenge, he first discussed it with his then-employer, Ian. With Ian's encouragement and mentorship, David launched his own landscaping construction busine...

In this week's episode, Chris and Tyson speak with George Hatzimanolis, CEO of RepurposeIt, a Melbourne based resource recovery business that converts waste to materials for the construction and landscape industries.  After working in the roads sector for many years, George discusses the moment he visited an open-cut mine and realised the impact of road infrastructure and urban development on...

What makes a small business thrive? This week, Chris and Tyson speak with Julie Krieger, founder of Onsomble, a business management service specialising in supporting small organisations to achieve success. After flirting with studies in landscape design, Julie Krieger eventually found herself as the CEO of The Landscape Association, working with landscapers in NSW and ACT. Her experience working...

Kicking off Season 6 is an interview with Irish landscape designer, Peter Donegan.  Starting out as the geeky kid who was 'into plants', Peter launched his own landscaping  business  in 2001, at age 24. He has become known for winning awards for 17th and 18th century gardens across Europe. Notably, he was selected to represent Ireland to design & realise the Irish WW1 Centenary Peace...

Even as an 11 year old, Hamish Mitchell loved working in the garden.  After a brief stint as a 'terrible' landscaper, Hamish found his feet taking care of the gardens at Government House in Canberra, followed by a tenure at Parliament House as the head horticulturist. Today, Hamish runs Speciality Trees, one of the leading suppliers of advanced and semi-advanced trees to landscapers. He...

This week, Chris and Tyson sit down with landscape architect, Lily Sabo, of Sabo Design. With a childhood dream of becoming an architect, Lily side-stepped into landscape design, getting her start designing backyard pools for some of Melbourne's most successful pool builders. Finally deciding to back herself, she decided to launch out on her own, and Sabo Design was born. Lily talks about the...

After 50 years in the industry, Nic van Diemen knows a thing or two about landscaping.  He catches up with Chris and Tyson this week to discuss how he started out in the industry, how he developed his expertise in segmental paving, and how the industry has evolved since he first started out. EPISODE LINKS: Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscaping Victoria Master...

Chris and Tyson speak with Jayden Weatherley of Greener Visions Landscapes. Starting his career with a Parks and Garden apprenticeship, Jayden branched out into business, forming Greener Visions with his longtime mate, Daniel Henderson in 2011.  Jayden discusses the importance of being across your finances, construction scheduling and the role technology plays in keeping his business running smoot...