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 done to clarify national pool building standards. EPISODE LINKS: Master Pool Builders Association Aus...
Dec 12, 2022•57 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 business - just months before COVID hit! Three years on, and David's business is thriving. He and Ian discuss t...
Nov 28, 2022•49 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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 our natural resources. This eventually led him on the path toward the circular economy, and RepurposeIt w...
Nov 14, 2022•48 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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 in an association gave her valuable insights into the needs of small businesses, and in 2017 she est...
Oct 31, 2022•48 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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 Garden at Chateau de Péronne in 2018, and returned to design a second inaugurated garden in 2022. In this episod...
Oct 17, 2022•56 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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 talks to Chris and Tyson about the Australian Tree Standard (AS 2303:2018), the importance of investing in new ...
Oct 03, 2022•51 min•Season 5Ep. 10
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 ups and downs of starting a design studio, the significance of relationships in getting new customers, a...
Sep 19, 2022•38 min•Season 5Ep. 9
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 Landscapers - https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/ Enter the 2022 Victorian Landscaping Awards - d...
Sep 05, 2022•51 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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 smoothly, and the growing challenge of costing projects in a post-Covid environment. The crew also speaks ...
Aug 22, 2022•48 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 Design & Construction - https://landartlandscapes.com.au/ Striking Pools - https://www.strikingpools.c...
Aug 08, 2022•46 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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://mintdesign.net.au/ Botanix Plant Supplies - https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au/ Landscaping Victor...
Jul 18, 2022•44 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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 Landscapes and LVML CEO Megan Flower about the upcoming launch of LVML's wellness initiatives for members...
Jul 04, 2022•46 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial l...
Jun 20, 2022•46 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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 information for a small annual subscription. Find out more at https://bpg.unimelb.edu.au/ Got a suggest...
Jun 06, 2022•42 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Tyson and Chris chat with LVML 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 LVML membership. Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perfect backyard with your next project. Get in touch with fri...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perfect backyard with your next project. Get in touch with friendly crew at...
May 09, 2022•52 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode, Chris and Tyson catch up with Mike Jansz, founder of MJLC Landscapes, to discuss how he established, grew, and ultimately transtitioned out of his successful landscaping business. Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perfect backyard with your next project. Get ...
Apr 25, 2022•43 min•Season 4Ep. 9
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perfect backyard with your next project. G...
Apr 11, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 8
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perfect backyard ...
Mar 28, 2022•39 min•Season 4Ep. 7
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perf...
Mar 14, 2022•37 min•Season 4Ep. 6
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 working with some of the best in the industry. Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Sen...
Feb 28, 2022•45 min•Season 4Ep. 5
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 Garden? Send us a text message! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, s...
Feb 09, 2022•48 min•Season 4Ep. 4
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 some tips on what can we implement in the urban environment that can make a difference and describes how sch...
Jan 24, 2022•38 min•Season 4Ep. 3
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 he helps leaders to create the culture that will bring out the best in the people they are leading. Got a su...
Dec 20, 2021•41 min•Season 4Ep. 2
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Cre...
Dec 06, 2021•34 min•Season 4Ep. 1
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! Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers. Create the perfect backyard with your next project. Get in touch with friendly crew at Coolabah Turf today. Call 1800 055 515 Visit coolturf.com.au LV members wh...
Nov 23, 2021•40 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 like Chris and Tyson to chat to on ‘The Front Garden’. Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? ...
Nov 08, 2021•41 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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 Australian conditions. Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if you've got a question, a suggestion for a to...
Oct 26, 2021•52 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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, seeing how they work and conversing as much as possible. Email tfg@landscapingvictoria.com.au if you've got...
Oct 12, 2021•46 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Join us as Don Thomson (of GardenRidge ) and Stewart Detez (of Swinburne ) 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 success of this course, Don and Stewart have met with Hau Giang College...
Sep 27, 2021•44 min•Season 3Ep. 6
