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PODCAST

The Front Garden

Landscaping Victoria

Landscaping Victoria brings you the latest in landscaping news, trends, and ideas by sharing some stories from people within the industry to help make your landscaping career a little easier.

business home & garden

All Episodes

48:48

Building Strong Teams with Dean Oliver & Matt...

The Front Garden ·

2026/04/15

Dean Oliver and Matt Johnston from Can Do Landscapes chat with Adam Hompas about leadership, apprenticeships, communication, and the systems that help landscaping businesses run well on-site and behind the scenes. In this episode… What does it take to build a strong landscaping team, create systems that work on site, and step confidently into leadership? In this episode of The Front Garden podcast, our host, Adam Hompas, chats with Dean Oliver and Matt Johnston from Can Do Landscapes about ...

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31:03

Precision in the Details with Tomas Runciman | The...

The Front Garden ·

2026/04/01

TL;DR: In Episode 140 of The Front Garden, Adam Hompas chats with Tomas Runciman from Straightcurve about why garden edging is one of the most overlooked but important elements in landscape construction. From modular systems and faster installs to material choices and emerging design trends, this episode is a practical look at how the right details can lift the entire project. In this episode… Adam Hompas sits down with Tomas Runciman from Straightcurve to explore why garden edg...

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40:02

Commercial Landscaping, Culture and Growth with Mark...

The Front Garden ·

2026/03/18

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with Mark Slefendorfas, Director of Brocor Group, to talk about building a commercial landscaping business from the ground up. Mark shares how he went from apprentice to business owner, starting out with the idea that it would just be him, one machine and a bit of work on the side, before growing Brocor Group into a large-scale operation delivering commercial landscaping and maintenance across education, aged care and early learning projects. ...

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45:21

Rooftop Gardens That Work with Michael Casey | The...

The Front Garden ·

2026/03/04

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with Michael Casey, Director of Evergreen Infrastructure, a specialist in green roofs and green infrastructure for urban, built developments. Michael shares how he found his niche in the early 2000s, why extensive green roofs are among the toughest projects to get right, and what needs to change in the way we design, build, and maintain green infrastructure in Australia. This is an especially valuable listen for landscape construction bu...

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45:51

Designing for Community, Canopy & Kids with Alannah...

The Front Garden ·

2026/02/18

In this episode… We’re joined by Alannah Easton, owner of Olivera Landscape Architecture and Design, whose work sits at the intersection of community design, habitat gardening, and practical, buildable landscapes. Alannah shares her unusual pathway into the industry (from the Department of Justice), why public spaces shape behaviour and connection, and how she’s turning that passion into real change through her school program Plant the Seed. We also dive into the realities of designing ...

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43:46

Shaping Landscapes with Toby Lestrell | The Front...

The Front Garden ·

2026/02/05

TL:DR A practical and candid conversation with Tobias Lestrell (Shapescaper) on better edging systems, weathering steel insights, and the realities of growing an Australian manufacturing business in the landscaping industry. In this episode… Adam sits down with Tobias Lestrell, owner and director of Shapescaper, to unpack the story behind a brand that’s become a go-to for metal edging, modular planter boxes and landscape rings. Toby shares how he moved to Australia from Sweden with an engin...

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50:00

Scaling Green: Inside Green by Nature’s Tech-Driven...

The Front Garden ·

2025/11/27

In this episode… In this episode of The Front Garden, host Adam Hompas is joined by Mitchell William-Kelly and Jaimee Olsen from Green by Nature to unpack what it really takes to operate one of the largest commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Born from the merger of four established companies, Green by Nature now brings together more than 120 years of collective industry experience. Mitchell shares how the business was strategically restr...

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51:50

Sustainable Sanctuaries & 3D Design with Natalie Back...

The Front Garden ·

2025/11/13

In this episode… Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with landscape designer Natalie Back from Living Earth Design in the Dandenong Ranges to explore how a creek-loving childhood, a passion for plants and chickens, and her studies at Swinburne shaped her values-led approach to gardens. A former LV student member turned full member and business owner, Natalie is carving out a niche for joyful, resilient landscapes that put soil health, biodiversity and edibles at the heart of the design.&nb...

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39:32

From Paving to People: Building a Resilient...

The Front Garden ·

2025/10/29

In this episode… Ashley Kellett from Global Landscapes chats with Adam about learning through mistakes, quoting with clarity, choosing the right materials for site and climate, balancing family life with work, and mentoring the next generation. From shale in Wonga Park to sand in Bayside, granite vs bluestone, and why limestone’s having a moment, this episode digs into the practical decisions that protect margins and reputation. Key takeaways: Ashley’s journey from apprentice to owner (...

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47:15

Game-Changing Concrete Solutions with Madewell...

The Front Garden ·

2025/10/15

TL;DR A practical deep-dive into contractor-first innovation with Madewell Products covering fibreglass reinforcement (GFRP), reusable formwork, architectural concrete know-how, and the on-site support that helps landscapers deliver better work with less labour. In this episode… From a simple idea to cut waste on site, Madewell has grown into a contractor-first toolkit for concrete done smarter. Kerolos and Gabe chat with Adam and lift the lid on DuraBar, a lightweight, non-corrosive reinforc...

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30:38

Diversify to Thrive: Kahl Gaffke’s Growth Story | The...

The Front Garden ·

2025/10/01

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 resilience. In this candid chat with our host, Adam Hompas, he shares how Gaffke’s Gardens...

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38:08

Recipe for Landscaping Success: Why Great Gardens...

The Front Garden ·

2025/09/17

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 anything but ordinary. Rob shares with our host, Adam Hompas, how his business, The Cutting Hedge...

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42:31

Pricing, Permits & Paid Consults: Building Smarter...

The Front Garden ·

2025/09/03

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 smarts on The Front Garden as Adam Hompas sits down with Angela Maroney from Your Landscape Journey....

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42:26

Breaking the Silence on Mental Health with Kurt...

The Front Garden ·

2025/08/20

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 workers. Born out of the TradeMutt workwear movement, their mission is simple: break the stigma,...

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44:53

From Jim’s Mowing to $2M Contracts: Westland Group’s...

The Front Garden ·

2025/08/06

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 milestone episode of The Front Garden, Chris Weiss is joined by Lee Povh and Rob Bazzano from Westland ...

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46:54

Supporting the Shift: How CLS Fosters Career Change &...

The Front Garden ·

2025/07/23

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 following a back injury, his current study of the Diploma of Landscape Design at Holmesglen, and wha...

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41:18

Family, Growth, and Green Futures with Samuel...

The Front Garden ·

2025/07/09

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 challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, family dynamics in business, and the realities...

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34:07

Designing with Nature: Jocelyn Bennett on Native...

The Front Garden ·

2025/06/26

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 construction working hand-in-hand. She reflects on the steep learning curves of running a small...

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42:36

Plantology: Passion & Planting Wisdom with Lisa Ellis...

The Front Garden ·

2025/06/11

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, practical design tips, and plant placement strategies. From stories of childhoods spent in nurseries...

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32:44

Turf Tech & Trade Secrets with Dave Geltch | The...

The Front Garden ·

2025/05/29

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 practices and climate resilience. Hear how automation and R&D are shaping the future of...

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131 results

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