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 what it was like to design and build an Achievable Garden at MIFGS.

Alex reflects on the lessons learned after more than a decade in business, the importance of people-first hiring, and how Complete Landscape Solutions is empowering long-term staff to shape the future of the company.

Key takeaways:

• Why aligning design and construction under one roof can streamline projects and filter the right clients
• Joel’s insights into building a MIFGS garden while studying and working full-time
• How CLS built a business structure that supports career growth and staff retention
• Career pivots after injury
• The power of having early, honest conversations about budgets
• Tips for landscapers considering MIFGS or further study
• Why strong systems and great people are key to long-term success

Whether you're on the tools or leading a team, this episode offers real, relatable insights into building a business that lasts.

🔔 Follow The Front Garden so you don’t miss any future episodes.

🔎 About Joel Emmins, Alex Gow & Complete Landscape Solutions

• Website: clsolutions.com.au
• Facebook: Complete Landscape Solutions
• Instagram: @complete_landscape_solutions
• LinkedIn Joel Emmins and Complete Landscape Solutions

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 who mention this ad will get free delivery on their first order.

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au

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 of succession planning.

Samuel reflects on his recent 30-day LinkedIn posting challenge, how it helped unpack the All Green story, and why storytelling matters for business growth. They also chat about shifting market focuses, nurturing leadership within teams, the role of AI in horticulture, and what the future holds for All Green Nursery.

Key takeaways:
🌱 The power of family legacy in shaping a business
🌱 Transitioning from working in the business to working on the business
🌱 Embracing discomfort to build confidence and brand storytelling
🌱 Challenges of balancing retail and trade in a shifting market
🌱 The evolving role of leadership and succession planning in a family business
🌱 Opportunities for innovation while respecting tradition in horticulture

🔔 Follow The Front Garden so you don’t miss any future episodes.

👁️‍🗨️ About Samuel Fragapane

• Website: www.allgreen.com.au
• Facebook: All Green Nursery & Garden
• Instagram: @allgreennurseryandgarden
• LinkedIn: Samuel Fragapane and All Green Nursery & Garden

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 who mention this ad will get free delivery on their first order.

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au

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 business, setting healthy work boundaries, and the importance of reusing materials and designing sustainably.

With honesty and insight, Jocelyn reveals the highs and lows of building a business with her partner Liam, why native planting inspires her, and why landscape design is as much about problem-solving as it is about creativity.

Key takeaways:

• The value of having in-house construction insight during the design process
• Why native planting and sustainability go hand in hand
• How to manage client expectations and screen for project fit early
• What it takes to prepare for (and survive) a MIFGS build
• Advice for other designers considering Boutique Gardens

🔔 Follow The Front Garden so you don’t miss any future episodes.

👁️‍🗨️ About Jocelyn Bennett

- Website earthcorelandscapes.com.au

- Facebook Earthcore Landscapes

- Instagram @earthcorelandscapes

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 who mention this ad will get free delivery on their first order.

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au