In this episode…

Our host, Chris Weiss, chats with brand strategist and founder of BRND, Samantha Tate, about how landscaping businesses can harness the power of brand to stand out in a crowded market.

Sam shares her journey from PE teacher to brand innovator, how storytelling outshines advertising, and why niching is more important than ever.

They explore simple but powerful strategies for landscaping businesses to strengthen their brand presence without needing big marketing budgets. These include using customer feedback, showcasing behind-the-scenes content, and leveraging AI tools correctly.

Plus, a sneak peek of what Sam will be covering at the LV Members' Breakfast at The Landscape Show!

Key Takeaways:

• Why "word of mouth" is great — but brand presence is what makes it stick.
• The importance of niche positioning and knowing your brand personality.
• Storytelling is the real secret to standing out and connecting with customers.
• Hyperlocal marketing, behind-the-scenes content, and authentic digital engagement are key trends for trades.
• How landscaping businesses can use AI without losing their human touch.
• Why customer feedback is your best untapped brand asset.
• Easy starting points for busy business owners to build brand momentum.

Want to see Sam live? She's joining us on stage at our exclusive LV Members' Breakfast before The Landscape Show. Visit thelandscapeshow.com.au for more information and tickets.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Samantha Tait

• Website: thinktanksocial.com.au
• Facebook: SamanthaJayneTait
• Instagram: @samanthatait_au
• LinkedIn: Samantha Tait, BRND Group, TTS Digital

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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…

Host Chris Weiss chats with the 2024 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards Apprentices of the Year—Caitlin Sanderson (Horticulture, Parks & Gardens) and Jessica Whatnall (Landscape Construction)—about their unique journeys into the landscaping industry, their career aspirations, and the lessons they’ve learned on site and at TAFE.

From pushing barrows of concrete to designing planter boxes for public spaces, Caitlin and Jess share how they found their passion in landscaping, coming from different backgrounds but with a shared determination to grow.

In this inspiring episode, Caitlin and Jess open up about navigating the challenges of being women in a traditionally male-dominated trade, the value of supportive mentors, and how hands-on experience is shaping their future.

Key takeaways:

• The real value of apprenticeships: learning by doing (and sometimes failing)
• Why plant knowledge is just as powerful as power tools
• How the industry is becoming more inclusive and supportive for women
• The power of good advice, good teams, and giving things a go
• Insight into career progression in both council and private landscaping work

Whether you’re an apprentice, mentor, or industry leader, this episode is a reminder of why supporting the next generation matters—and what it looks like when young professionals thrive.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Caitlin Sanderson and Jessica Whatnall

- Website: Caitlin Sanderson Awards Profile – Landscaping Victoria

- Website: Jessica Whatnall Awards Profile – Landscaping Victoria

- LinkedIn: @Manningham Council and @Mark Gabell And Associates

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au

In this episode…

Chris Weiss is joined by Peter Shaw—founder and creative director of Ocean Road Landscaping and author of Soulscapes: Connecting Gardens to Landscapes, for an honest and insightful conversation about building a career, a business, and a life rooted in the coastal environment of Anglesea.

With over 30 years in the industry, Peter shares the evolution of Ocean Road Landscaping from a humble ute-based operation into a thriving design, construction, and maintenance business with nearly 30 staff.

He opens up about the importance of designing gardens that belong to their place, leading with values, and finding harmony between work and life.

From staff retention to cash flow forecasting, Peter offers practical advice for landscaping professionals looking to build a sustainable business.

Key takeaways:

• The value of creating gardens that are deeply connected to their environment
• How Peter and Simone grew Ocean Road Landscaping organically with a clear focus on values and community
• Why strong leadership and trusting your team are crucial for long-term business success
• Tips on setting sustainable hourly rates and maintaining financial forecasting
• The importance of listening to clients and building lasting relationships across design, construction, and maintenance
• The beauty and challenges of working in coastal and Otway landscapes
• Peter’s dream project, and what he might be doing if he weren’t landscaping

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👁️‍🗨️ About Peter Shaw

• Website: www.orl.com.au
• Ocean Road Landscaping Video Gallery
• Facebook: Ocean Road Landscaping
• Instagram @oceanroadlandscaping
• LinkedIn: Peter Shaw

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au

In this episode…

Chris chats with Jane Jones from Jane Jones Landscapes, winner of the 2024 Landscape of the Year and Softscape of the Year awards for her spectacular Portsea Project.

Jane shares the journey behind her five-year project, where collaboration, site-specific design, and ongoing maintenance were key to success.

She discusses the evolution of her design philosophy, the challenges of working in a coastal environment, and why strong client relationships make all the difference.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Jane Jones

• Website: jjl.com.au
• Project Portfolio
• Facebook: Jane Jones Landscapes
• Instagram: @janejoneslandscapes

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au

In this episode…

Chris chats with Scott Tymkin, Director of Enkipools. Scott shares his journey from landscaping to leading a high-end pool construction business.

He delves into industry challenges, the importance of process-driven operations, financial planning, and trends shaping the future of pool building.

Key Takeaways

• The early years working with Ian Barker and the transition to Ian Barker & Associates.
• The founding of Enki Pools and the shift from landscaping to a dedicated pool business.
• Navigating industry challenges, including managing large projects, working with builders, and ensuring cash flow stability. Reflections on business growth, lessons learned, and the importance of adaptability in a changing industry.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Scott Tymkin

• Website: www.enkipools.com.au
• Portfolio: www.enkipools.com.au/pool-portfolio/
• Facebook: @enkipools
• Instagram: @enkipools

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au

In this episode…

Chris is joined by Simon Rosa from Simon Rosa Landscaping. He shares his journey from landscaping apprentice to business owner, tackling everything from regional growth to staffing challenges and large-scale project management.

He discusses the shift towards high-end landscaping in regional Victoria and the importance of balancing design, construction, and maintenance to deliver top-tier results.

➕ Hit The Follow Button So You Don’t Miss Our Future Episodes

✍️ Review our show on Apple Podcasts

👁️‍🗨️ About Simon Rosa

Website: www.simonrosalandscaping.com

Facebook: Simon Rosa Landscaping

Instagram: @simonrosalandscaping

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au

In this episode…

Chris Weiss sits down with Associate Professor Claire Farrell, Director of the Burnley Campus at The University of Melbourne, to explore the role of plants in solving urban challenges.

Claire shares her journey from studying plant ecology and dryland salinity to pioneering research in green infrastructure, green roofs, and low-maintenance plantings.

Key takeaways:

• Green infrastructure is critical for urban sustainability, providing cooling, biodiversity, and stormwater management.
• The Woody Meadow Project replaces monocultures with diverse, resilient plantings designed for minimal maintenance.
• Green roofs in Melbourne require different plants and substrates compared to Europe, with succulents thriving in dry conditions.
• Rain gardens filter pollutants, manage stormwater, and improve urban landscapes, though plant selection is key.
• Claire envisions Burnley Campus as a hub for horticulture, offering training, research, and community engagement.

Tune in for expert insights on designing resilient landscapes, the future of urban greening, and how innovative planting strategies can transform our cities.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Associate Professor Claire Farrell

• Website: The University of Melbourne
• Resource: Google Scholar
• Instagram @plantscienceart
• LinkedIn @Claire Farrell

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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 Weiss sits down with Matt Mansfield to explore the cutting-edge world of plant propagation and the future of horticulture. From Mansfield Propagation Nurseries’ 70+ year history to their state-of-the-art tissue culture lab and automation technologies, Matt shares insights into managing a large-scale nursery business.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the landscaping and nursery industries. It addresses the disconnect between landscapers and horticulture and the need for better collaboration in the supply chain.

🔔 Hit the ‘follow’ button so you don’t miss out on our future content.

👁️‍🗨️ About Matt Mansfield

• Website http://mansfields.net.au/
• Resource Mansfields Propagation Nursery Stock List
• Facebook @mansfieldspropagationnursery
• Instagram @mansfieldspropagationnursery
• LinkedIn Matt Mansfield & Mansfields Propagation Nursery

Got a suggestion for an episode of The Front Garden? Send us a text message!

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Project Landscape. Providing an exclusive opportunity for LV members to visually showcase their work. For more details, visit project landscape.com.au