The Front Garden

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...

The talented Dean Herald (of Sydney’s Rolling Stone Landscapes ) talks with the boys about finding his feet in the industry, making mistakes and finding the value in learning from them, and how he managed to grow a small company into success from age 19. Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if you've got a question, a suggestion for a topic or a guest you’d like Chris and Tyson to chat to on...

The passionate Kerry-Anne Hagen chats with the boys about her change of careers from hospitality to horticulture, her current apprenticeship with Super Gardens , and the benefits of study as a mature-age student in the industry.   Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if you've got a question, a suggestion for a topic or a guest you’d like Chris and Tyson to chat to on ‘The Front Garden’.  Got...

The experienced Carl Soderlund ( Botanix Plant Supply ) chats with the boys about the challenges and opportunities within the booming nursery industry! In this episode, Carl discusses his journey into the industry – from working with his dad who established Plantmark in 1988, to the introduction and success of Botanix Plant Supply.   Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if you've got a questi...

The talented Steve Taylor of COS Design chats with the boys about his passion for landscaping, design and construction! In this episode, Steve takes us on his journey into the industry – from working on his own property in his youth, to providing free designs, and balancing his time between running a successful landscape construction business and the introduction of design work. Email tfg@landscap...

On this special episode of The Front Garden – recorded live at The Landscape Show 2021 – Chris and Tyson sit down with a group of industry experts (David Thomson of StrathAyr , Andrew Triantafillou of Semken Landscaping , and Brett Robinson of ACRE ) to discuss the benefits of marketing and exposure, and the importance of staying relevant in the current climate. Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.a...

The wise and experienced Marty Semken of Semken Landscaping sits down with the boys to discuss his entry into the industry, and how he has grown his business to where it is now! During this episode, you will learn all about Marty’s journey from finding an apprentice gardener role in a newspaper, to running his own successful company in Semken Landscaping .  Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if...

The professional and experienced Rob Stewart of Holmesglen TAFE sits down with the boys to discuss all things education, apprenticeships, and industry opportunities! During this episode, you will learn all about Rob’s journey from becoming the first registered Landscape Construction Apprentice in Victoria, to owning and running his own business, and now mentoring new landscaping apprentices in the...

The professional and experienced Hendrik Van Leeuwen sits down with the boys to discuss all things business management, garden maintenance, and landscaping! During this episode, you will learn all about Hendrik’s journey from serving retail customers at a local nursery, to now running a successful team of landscaping professionals.  When it comes to successful business, Hendrik discusses the key a...

The professional and experienced Steven Browning sits down with the boys this week to discuss the importance of business planning and what ambitious business owners can do to ensure success. Sit down with Chris, Tyson and Steven as they discuss leadership, strategy, and the ever-changing business landscape.  When it comes to successful business, Steven discuss the key aspects you need to consider,...