In this episode I speak with Dan Knight from Knight Landscapes, and landscape construction company based in Geelong. Dan started out in the commercial side of landscaping, so it was great to talk to him about the benefits of that, particularly about their use of subcontractors for the commercial projects and how Dan then learnt off of them and used those skills for his residential projects. You can follow Dan on Instagram @knightlandscapes You can follow along with the projects we're currently w...
Jul 09, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 49
This episode is a replay of episode 18 from almost two years ago. We didn't have enough questions for a Q and A episode this week, so I'm replaying this amazing chat which didn't have as many listens as it should have! In this episode I speak with John Hall from Cactus Country. Cactus Country is a Australia's largest Cactus garden situated near the Murray River bordering Victoria and New South Wales in Strathmerton. John's parents started Cactus Country and run the business along with John, and ...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 48
In this episode I speak with Craig Clarke from Total Garden Management, a garden maintenance company based in Melbourne. Craig started in the industry by mowing lawns when he was about 8, and hasn't left in more than 30 years. He worked for Semken Landscaping and Robert Boyle in his first 10 or so years in the industry so had a couple of great companies to learn from prior to going out on his own. He's since built relationships with designers such as Gareth Le Page and Jaye Metcalf where he main...
Jul 02, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 47
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on June 25, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What factors go into choosing to lay on a mortar or adhesive bed when paving? How much money should be put aside for a rainy day? Did Ashley James leave his phone in his boogie board bad at the airport, and it got pinched? What's the best a...
Jun 28, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 46
In this episode, Peter Donegan from Peter Donegan Garden Design takes over as the host and interviews me! Peter asks a lot more thoughtful questions than I do so hopefully it's not only entertaining, but there's also something valuable to take away from out chat. You can follow Peter on Instagram @peterdonegan You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page @instyle_gardens @thelandscapingpodcast You can view each episode on our YouTube channel...
Jun 25, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 45
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on June 18, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What is the best estimating/quoting software to use? What is your preferred tile adhesive for natural stone paving? Should we take on front fences with auto gates or outsource it? Do you charge a % on mulch order or a set fee per m3? You ca...
Jun 21, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 44
In this episode I speak with Liam Daly from Wiilde Co Garden Design, a design company currently based on the South Coast of NSW but in the coming weeks to be on the Mornington Peninsula. Liam is a native plant specialist and has a unique design presentation style he gets from using Morpholio Trace and editing it with ProCreate. He talks about how he came about designing like this in the episode. Liam has a musical background and he mentions how similar composing music can be to creating a landsc...
Jun 18, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 43
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on June 12, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What should I be focusing on as a first year apprentice? How do you communicate with a client about what their goals are? Do you use Landscaping Victoria contracts or your own? What's something you've done/changed in your business and wishe...
Jun 14, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 42
In this episode I speak with Adam Beswwick from Ovata Gardens, a design and construction company in Tasmania run by Adam and his wife, who he met while working at one of his earlier jobs at a wholesale nursery in Western Australia. Adam shares his story about not only how he started in the industry, but the fortuitous way he made his way into working in Landscaping and in particular, creating Japanese gardens. Adam talks about how difficult landscaping can be both mentally and physically, and sh...
Jun 11, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 41
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on June 4, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What's your process for laying porcelain pavers? How do you navigate doing small jobs for family and friends? How old do you think you'll be when you set your last piece of stone? What are the benefits of hiring machines rather than buying? ...
Jun 07, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 40
In this episode I speak with Brady Skevington from Boutique Timeless Landscaping, a residential and commercial construction company based in Perth, Western Australia. Of all 118 episodes I've done, this is right up there with the most fun I've had talking to someone, so hopefully that translates into an enjoyable listen as well. Brady is yet another former employee from Tim Davies Landscaping, and he explains the importance of companies like TDL in WA and how valuable they are for the industry. ...
Jun 04, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 39
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on May 28, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What's one word that describes your design style? If you could go anywhere in the world to learn a new landscaping skill set, where would you go? What plate compacter, brick saw and laser level do you use? What advice would you give a studen...
May 31, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 38
In this episode I speak with Simon Buchanan from Landart Landscapes, a design and construction company based in Melbourne. Simon had a similar sound to his story about starting in the industry, in that he had a passion for graphic design in his school days, and then was fortunate enough to work for a great landscaper as his first employer, in Scott Wynd from TLC, where he not only learnt all things landscaping, but also pool construction, and Simon now also runs Striking Pools with his business ...
May 28, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 37
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on May 21, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: Will you ever put ads in the middle of your podcast? What does your average day look like? What do you think the future holds for the landscaping industry? How do you deal with variations during a project? You can follow along with the proje...
May 24, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 36
In this episode I speak with Tim Volant from Tim Volant Stonemason, a Melbourne based Stonemason who started in the industry when he was 28. Tim has a great story about how he started out and the challenges he faced, and he's another guest who had a big impact on the stonemason he is today thanks to who he worked for, both in reference to employer and also client. Tim speaks about the most challenging client he's worked for, his desire to employ an apprentice, and his feelings after he finishes ...
May 21, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 35
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on May 14, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What percentage of a quote should be just for plants? Is it still shorts weather? What is one type of construction you feel you've never nailed? How do designers deal with starting out and their self doubts of their design? You can follow al...
May 17, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 34
In this episode I speak with Carla Ramsland from R Haus, a Landscape Architecture Studio based in Perth, Western Australia. Carla began her studies in Sydney at Ryde Tafe and worked for a Design and Construct business, before moving to Queensland and studying Landscape Architecture, and then moving across to Perth and starting her business there about two years ago, after more than 20 years in the industry. Carla explains the difference between landscape design and landscape architecture from he...
May 14, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 33
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on May 7, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: If you were no longer allowed to be a landscaper or designer, what would you be? What's the best design programs out there for garden design? Pros and Cons to being a sole trader as opposed to a company? What's the best construction tip you'v...
May 10, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 32
In this episode I speak with Liz Filmer from Liz Filmer Landscaping, a residential and commercial design and construction company based in Gippsland and South East Victoria. Liz has had the business for more than 25 years and her story began like a few others I've spoken to, working for a great employer for her apprenticeship. She stayed with that company for 10 years before starting her own business. Liz talks about what she looks for in an employee as well as recently working out what was miss...
May 07, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 31
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on April 30, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: Do you have a business mentor or someone you discuss ideas about how to better improve the business and operations? What percentage are you currently putting on the different elements that go into a job? Do you prefer designing and buildin...
May 03, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 30
In this episode I speak with Cam Hainsworth from Abcam Horticulture, a garden maintenance company based in Melbourne. Cam started working in a couple of different wholesale nurseries prior to going out on his own, working on one of the most expensive properties in Victoria prior to getting his business really established. Cam talks about the challenges he knows he'll face as he looks to expand the capabilities of his business, and we also discuss the importance and value of really looking after ...
Apr 30, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 29
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on April 23, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What do you believe the biggest asset in your landscaping business is? What are your top 3 podcasts, and do you think the landscape podcast market could do with more podcasters? How did you find running your business and trying to get a ho...
Apr 26, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 28
In this episode I speak with Brooke Goodwin from Brookes Blooms, a landscape design, construction and maintenance company based in Brisbane, Queensland. Brooke has grown the business from just herself 12 years ago, to now employing 96 people across the business. I asked her if she has the same passion for the business now as she did 12 years ago. Something I loved that Brooke did was setting out clear roles within the business and tasks completed within those roles, so that when people are apply...
Apr 23, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 27
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on April 16, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: Do you prefer mortar or adhesive around pools? Do you think you should have a distinctive style or trademark with designs? Do you know of any female construction teams? How much do you spend on advertising? You can follow along with the pr...
Apr 19, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 26
In this episode I speak with Cam Freeden from Peninsula Stonemasons, a stone mason company based on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Cam's passion for rocks began at an early age, joining a rock and gemstone club at the age of 13, and starting his stone masonry apprenticeship in 1977. There's obviously been plenty of changes in the industry since that time, so we discuss some of them including tools he used and now uses, as well as the way he teaches his apprentices compared to the Spanish ...
Apr 16, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 25
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on April 9, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: What's your process to existing soil in preparation for planting? What's the best business advice you can give to someone just starting their business? What dictates planting trends at the garden show? Is MIFGS the landscaping/gardening ver...
Apr 12, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode I speak with Adam Robinson from Adam Robinson Design, a landscape design and exterior styling firm based in Sydney. Adam is also the brand ambassador for the Landscape Design Institute and has been a member for 14 years, since he was a student. Adam has a great story about how he started in the industry, starting in consturction before realising his passion was in the design of landscapes. We talk about the importance of showing your face in marketing and Adam also talks about th...
Apr 09, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 23
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on April 2, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: Did you achieve everything you wanted to at the garden show this year? What's the best way to grout crazy paving? How do you go about paying yourself Super? What's it like building a larger show garden compared to a Boutique Garden? You can...
Apr 05, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 22
In this episode I speak with Renata Fairhall from Renata Fairhall Garden designs, a landscape design business based in Victoria. Renata made the switch from the corporate world to landscape design after studying at Burnley and then went on to start her own business. She talks about how, when you start out, you take on every job that comes along but soon realise they're not all worth taking on, and she knocks back 1-2 jobs per week, at least one of which she'd love to take on. I also ask Renata a...
Apr 02, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 21
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on March 28, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this episode I answered questions such as: How much money do you spend on a garden show? What are three tips you would give to someone wanting to build a MIFGS garden in 2024? What happens to your show garden once it's over? With interest rates rising, what area of landscaping woul...
Mar 29, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 20
