Hops and Hedges

In this conversation, Stephanie LeBlanc, a Landscape Designer from Toronto, shares her journey into the field of landscape design, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, mentorship, and the role of technology in modern design practices. She discusses her design philosophy, the challenges faced in projects, and the significance of having a designer involved from the beginning. The conv...

In this conversation, Weston Zimmerman, CEO and founder of SynkedUP, discusses his journey in the landscaping industry and the development of his software designed to help contractors with estimating and job costing. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, systems and processes in business, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the landscaping field. The discussion also touc...

In this engaging conversation, Fred Post from Landscaping Advisors shares his journey in the landscaping industry, discussing the evolution of landscape design technology, the importance of continuous learning, and the challenges he faced, including overcoming health issues. He emphasizes the significance of mental health awareness, particularly regarding depression and seasonal affective disorder...

In this engaging conversation, Liana De Mare, the second-generation owner of Plantscape Windsor, shares her journey from a banking career to leading a full-service landscaping company. She discusses the evolution of Plantscape, the impact of plants on mental health, and the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Liana also highlights the importance of seasonal planters and the relationship...

In this engaging conversation, Danée Marie Lambourne shares her journey in the landscaping industry, discussing her entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges faced by women in trades, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the significance of design philosophy that incorporates sensory experiences and the role of mentorship in fostering growth within the industry. The discussion high...

In this conversation, Heather Jerrard interviews Elissa Astorino, a recent graduate from the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, who shares her journey into horticulture, her experiences in Australia, and her upcoming design for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Elissa discusses the importance of networking, mentorship, and personal connections in her work, as well as the chall...

In this engaging conversation, Heather Jerrard speaks with Arlene and Marc from Bufco, the Backyard Urban Farm Company in Toronto. They discuss their unique mission to promote edible gardening and reconnect people with nature. The conversation explores their journey from the film industry to urban gardening, the importance of community engagement, and the growth of their business. They also touch...

In this conversation, Bob Reeves from Root Rescue discusses the innovative use of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing plant growth and resilience. He shares his journey of creating Root Rescue, the challenges faced in starting a business, and the importance of effective communication with customers. Bob emphasizes the significance of warranties in the gardening industry and how Root Rescue aids in urba...

In this Season 1 Finale - I'm speaking with the man who started me on my journey into podcasting. I will forever be grateful for that conversation we had in early January of 2024 that started this whole thing. In this episode, I'm talking with Danial Cornacchia from Dancor Landscapes in Markham, Ontario about growing up in a construction family, his journey from being a design-build into transitio...

In this episode, I'm chatting with Michael Albanese from AVESI Stormwater & Landscape Solutions in Hamilton, Ontario. We talk about his journey from studying Geography and working as a Rain Home Guide to becoming an expert in the area of Stormwater Management and "Rain Ready" gardens, Fusion Landscaping and being an FLP (Fusion Landscape Professional), Native Plants, Heather's basement that re...

In this episode, I've brought David Milne from Quercus Gardens back on the show to take a look back on the year. His episode (#2 in Season 1) was the most watched and streamed episode of Season 1 and I wanted to celebrate him and his year by bringing him back on to chat further. In this episode, we talk about the challenges of having to let go staff, his "life before wife", the importance of mento...

In this episode, I'm talking with Will Heeman from one of my personal favourite places - Heeman's Greenhouse in London, Ontario. We're talking about how his grandparents came to Canada and started the business in 1963, the importance of creating and supporting community, their famous strawberries, various workshops and activities they offer throughout the year, their various meads and ciders, and...

In this episode, I'm talking with Ashley (aka "Ash") Rowe from the New Leaf Collective. A Marketing firm in London, Ontario. We're talking about how she started her business after finding herself unemployed through COVID, being nominated (and WINNING!) as a "Top 20 Under 20", providing a safe and supportive work environment for her staff, being a "stepping stone" employer, opening her own studio,...

In this episode, I'm talking with Randy Tumber from Randy Tumber Landscape Consulting in Amaranth, Ontario. We're talking about working with your "niche market", the importance of WATER in the landscape, winning the Dunnington Grubb Award - TWICE!, being a keynote speaker, the importance of learning the Latin plant names, the International Patio Expo, finding the "right fit client", Landscape Onta...

In this episode, I'm talking with Jeremy Kamp from Nicola's Garden Art located in the heart of Wortley Village in London, Ontario. We're talking about him taking ownership of his family's business, how the business started as a dry flower arrangement studio, being an instructor at Fanshawe College, drainage issues on job sites, the Fusion Landscape Professional accreditation, pools, scheduling and...

In this episode, I'm talking with Jennifer Jay from the Joy of Gardening in Thamesford, Ontario. We're talking about her making the leap and starting her own business just this year (2024), working homeowners in their outdoor spaces, her awesome signage and marketing using QR codes (which are SUPER EASY to quickly scan with your phone as you're walking by), and of course - BEER! BEERS etc.: Mushro...

In this episode, I'm talking with the one and only David Fraser from Bunkie Life in Erin, Ontario. We're talking about his experience on the Dragon's Den, building houses and bunkies and then kits, some of our favourite books, "Grab a Hop and Grab a Hedge" and of course - BEER! BEERS etc.: Wellington Brewery's Upside IPA & Imperial Stout Guinnes & Stouts Broken Rail Brewing's Overnight Exp...

In this episode, I'm talking with one of two Certified Master Craftsmen in Canada - Sean Donnelly from SD Stone located in Kitchener, Ontario. We're talking about his 15 years in the industry, how he got started in Dry Wall Stonewalling, how YOU can started in the industry if it appeals to you, glacial till, being a recipient of the Chalmers Arts Fellowship Award, and of course - BEER! BEERS etc.:...

In this episode, I'm talking with one of my mentors: Lexi Dearborn from Dearborn Designs in Barrie, Ontario. We're talking about the importance of mentorship, leaving a legacy, finding the right clients, giving yourself permission to look after yourself, asking for help as a strength (not a weakness), her blog "the Gabby Gardener", coffee and of course - BEER! BEERS etc.: Coffee! BOOK RECOMMENDATI...

In this episode, I'm talking with Darla Malcolm-Hauraney from The Garden Girls, TurfNDirt and AOMPrint.ca We're talking about her working with her 70 year-old mom, having a team mostly of the age 50+, regular garden care and maintenance, the importance of having a bookkeeper, stepping away from your business to go travelling, burnout, starting your day with a positive mindset, "cluster & repea...

In this episode, I'm talking with Lindsey Best from EXT.tech in Ottawa and Canada. We're talking about the importance of communication, FLP (Fusion Landscape Professional program & certification), real paper books vs. digital (fyi - paper is always better!), "bottom of the barrel beers" - though - she did go on an adventure after we recorded this episode and tried one called "Naughty Octopus",...

Hold onto your hats! This is a long one but a great one. In this episode, I'm talking with Lindsey Ross from Living Green Landscaping Inc. We're talking about that time we were all navigating the workplace during COVID, the incredible support within the Peer to Peer network within Landscape Ontario, his crazy journey into landscaping, hourly wage, managing burnout and of course - BEER! BEE...

In this episode, I'm talking with Will Joyce from Cudmore’s Landscape & Design Ltd. in Oakville, Ontario. We're talking about the importance of storm water management, being a 2nd generation family business owner, his family cottage in Coboconk, aka 'Cobby' ON. (very fun word to say), KSMI weather app, connecting younger kids to our profession, "Chaos Gardening" and o...

In this episode, I'm talking with George Uvari from Knowledge Tree Consulting and Oriole Landscaping (Retired) in Toronto, Ontario. We're talking about the importance of mentorship, learning from your mistakes and the mistakes of others, altruism, his passion and gratitude for Landscape Ontario and all the members and culture, the facility tours, his consulting business, helping people opt...

In this episode, I'm talking with Matt McFarland of The Growing Season in Bolton, ON. We're talking with this very entertaining, self-identified "Bolton Boy", podcast and radio show host about working with his dad, drafting landscape designs as young as the age of six, studying at Humber, finding his own way, and of course - BEER! BEERS etc.: Glenlivet Scotch Whiskey 14 (or 18) a...