The Landscaping Podcast

In this episode I speak with Dougie Elliot from Rock Solid Stone and Landscaping and also Rock Solid Health. Rock Solid Stone and Landscaping is his stonemasonry and landscaping business, while Rock Solid Health is where he's a holistic health coach.Dougie started out in Castlemaine working for the local council in the botanic gardens, among other areas before working for his dad for 4 years learning stonemasonry, and then moving to Geelong with his wife to start working for himself during Covid.His holistic health views are quite eye opening for uneducated folks like myself, and while not everyone will agree with everything he says, one thing that can't be argued is that poor diet is the common denominator to many health issues, both mental and physical. And if there is something he says that you don't agree with, I'd encourage you to listen to the whole episode, as he has some great points to make and great bits of advice.You can follow Dougie on Instagram @_rocksolidhealth and @rocksolidstoneandlandscaping If you're wanting to sign up to be on the mailing list for The Landscaping School, you can find the link here.You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I've done another Q and A episode via questions asked on Instagram, purely because I wasn't organised to have a guest for this week!I answer questions such as:When is The Landscaping Course going to be released?Do you have a clause in your quotes for under ground rock, extra fill etc.Would you buy a mini excavator or mini loader first?What's your current take on the current state of the landscaping/construction industry?If you're wanting to sign up to be on the mailing list for The Landscaping School, you can find the link here.You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Tammy Huynh from Leaf An Impression. Tammy is a Horticulturist, Writer and also a presenter on Gardening Australia.She started studying Horticultural Science at Sydney Uni before getting a role working on the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine team.She was awarded Horticulturist of the year in 2021 by the Australian Institute of Horticulture, and also appeared on an episode of Gardening Australia creating a terrarium and kokedama before eventually being offered a presenting role.You can follow Tammy on Instagram @leaf_an_impressionYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Rob Waddell from Waddell Design, a landscape design and construction company based in Melbourne, Geelong and Byron Bay.This episode also sees the reintroduction of the old intro music for one episode only, as specially requested by Rob!Rob speaks about the reasons and challenges behind opening up separate arms of this business in different towns.He's also designed and built 4 show gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and talks about those experiences and how it changes from when you start, doing it all by yourself, compared to doing one with multiple employees working on it.Rob is a true entrepreneur and has also created his own App, which isn't quite complete yet, and is also in the process of setting up his business to be able to be franchised,  and he talks about the process of both.You can follow Rob on Instagram @waddell_design @waddell_design_geelong or @gold_coast_landscape_designYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Brent Phipps from Byron Bay Ranga, a landscape design, construction and maintenance business located in Byron Bay.It's an extremely enjoyable chat with Brent, with a great combination of education (Brent has been in business 11 years) and entertainment.Brent had a great starting point in the industry, work for Mike Cass Creative prior to moving to Byron Bay, and he speaks about how he built relationships within the community which then fed him work when he needed it.Brent also talks about the value he's found from employing a couple of business mentors/advisors and the need to pay for advice if you're looking to scale your business.You can follow Brent on Instagram @byronbayrangaYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Andrew Fisher Tomlin from The London College Of Garden Design. Andrew was a co-founder of the College and is an extremely enjoyable person to talk to!He wasn't sure what he wanted to do when he started in the industry, so tried everything, from horticulture, to design, to construction.Andrew was the chair for selection of gardens to the Chelsea Fower Show and also was involved in judging for about 8 years.Andrews shares plenty of advice in this chat, including how two gardens he's done which won best in show at their shows, were also the two lowest budgets. So he believes the creativity is improved on with a low budget.You can follow Andrew on Instagram @fishertomlinYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this special edition episode, I speak with 26 different people involved in the 2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. There's designers, builders, students and an organiser.The chats were held on the Saturday during construction before the show opens on Wednesday the 20th of March0:00 Intro0:52 Grahame Rowe - Challenger Garden with Charlie Albone4:19 Suzannah Kennett Lister - Wurundjeri Biik Garden with Andrew Laidlaw 8:44 Annika Zetterman - New Nordic Notes with Kajsa Bjorne13:51 Andrew Hopkins - Hopkins Constructions for Landart Landscapes19:10 Dan Foreman - Jack of all trades20:56 Liam Riley - ID Landscaping25:05 Emmaline Bowman - STEM Landscape Architecture28:14 Nadia Cole - Platylobium31:26 Matt James - Atlas Concrete and Landscapes33:50 Phil Withers - PWLD37:48 Riley Cooper - Gratus Garden39:53 Shaun Mann - Bays Edge Landscapes  Gratus Garden43:13 Cam Hainsworth - ABCAM Horticulture - Gratus Garden45:54 Paul Pritchard - Paul Pritchard Landscapes48:59 Adam Hompas - Adam Hompas Landscapes51:12 Paul Smith - Paul Alexander Landscape54:32 Daniel Althaus - Althaus Landscape Designs57:56 Eugene Klay - Klaycon Landscape Construction1:00:55 Craig McLachlan - Smart Landscapes1:03:58 Sam Collie - Esjay Landscapes1:08:59 Elissa Astorino - Canadian Student1:11:58 Trent Cornish - IMG1:17:01 Sarah McLauchlan - Sarah McLauchlan Gardens for Open Gardens Victoria1:19:03 Peter Donegan - Peter Donegan Garden Design1:24:53 Ben French - Yards Landscapes1:27:02 Nicole Semken - Semken LandscapesYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Peter Donegan about the story behind his upcoming Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show design.It's supported by the Defence Force Welfare Association and I loved the story behind it so wanted as many people to hear it as possible.Doing this episode made me realise it'd be great to hear from as many people as possible from the garden show about their design inspiration, so the next episode of the podcast will be short 5 minute interviews with as many designers/builders as I can get to come on.You can follow Peter on Instagram @peterdoneganYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Chris England from Merrywood Plants. Merrywood plants is a nursery specialising in espaliered plants and after espaliering was a hobby for Chris for 5-10 years, he then started Merrywood 25 years ago.Chris mentions how, at two of his early nursery employers, he was taught the importance of knowing how to speak to people, and the importance of good people.We also talk about how underrated I think espalier plants are and their various uses in a garden setting.You can follow Chris on Instagram @merrywood_plantsYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Keith Edwards of Keith Edwards Landscape Consultant. Keith has been in the industry more than 40 years so is a wealth of knowledge, and has a passion for the industry to match.He has a great path to begin in the industry, where he learnt design, but then wanted to understand how a design would all fit together, so worked in grounds maintenance, turf research, landscape construction and irrigation and then went on to work for the Diggers Club before now working for himself once again.Keith specifies some unique additives for plant health in his designs, so we discuss them, as well as the value of building a network of good, reliable people around you.Keith is co host of his own podcast, Muddy Boots, and you can follow him on Instagram @ke_landscape_consultant or email him at keithmaxed@outlook.comYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Simon Rosa from Simon Rosa Landscaping, a landscape design, construction and maintenance business based in Bendigo.Simon has been running the business for around 20 years so has plenty of experience, starting out as a two man show to now having around 15 employees and working on the best gardens in Bendigo.In this chat Simon talks about his positive experience during his apprenticeship schooling at Holmsglen. He also talks about the importance of working on your business, not just in it like a lot of landscapers do.You can follow Simon on Instagram @simonrosalandscapingYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Chloe Thomson from Bean There Dug That and also Sprout School.Chloe is an educator with her course teaching all things gardening with Sprout School, but she also wears many other hats in the horticulture industry from being an MC/speaker, to presenter/producer among other roles.She has a great story about building good relationships with employers even when leaving.And her tv presenting and producing experience has given her plenty of tips about the best way to plan and film content, so she shares some tips in this chat which are quite helpful.Her Autumn intake for Sprout School closes on Feb 20, 2024 and you can use the discount code Joel50 to save $50, but if you miss out because this episode is released two days before then, she might also honour that code for the spring intake.You can follow Chloe on Instagram @beantheredugthatYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Nick Bransgrove from Lawns In Good Nick. Nick started his social media account a couple of years ago after renovating his home lawn and realising how much he enjoyed it, and wanted to provide tips to other folks on how they could do the same.He's since built the instagram page to 100k followers and recently started a YouTube and TikTok account as well.He's also recently launched a renovation guide to provide more in depth information on how homeowners can achieve a beautiful lawn, with different options available for different levels of commitment.You can follow Nick on Instagram @lawnsingoodnickYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Bec Bennett.Bec is another lucky person who knew what industry she wanted to work in from an early age, taking trips to the local nursery before starting work there as soon as she was able to.She went on to start her own business and talks about the challenges of knowing your worth when charging for landscape design.Bec is the president of Encouraging Women In Horticulture and also teaches at Chisolm TafeYou can follow Bec on Instagram @annan_homesteadYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Matt Ferguson from Ferguson Landscape and Design, a landscape construction company based in Melbourne.Matt has only been in business a short time, having started the business in January 2020, but he's doing a lot of things right early.  He employed a business coach in the first few months and we talk about the benefits this has brought.Matt also talks about how he worked for his last employer as a subbie when he started his business, to fill in any gaps he had, which is a great way to start out.He also talks about getting plenty of work in a new estate where a client praised him on a Facebook group for the estate, and how this lead to many new projects.You can follow Matt on Instagram @fergusonlandscapedesignYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Stacey Swetnam from Legacy Gardens, a landscape construction company based in Sydney. Stacey currently works at Harrison's Landscaping where she began and completed her apprenticeship and will commit fulltime to Legacy Gardens in the coming years.I first became aware of Stacey through her podcast "Tradie Lady Talk" where she spoke with women in the construction industry. There's just three episodes so far, but they're a great listen for people in the construction industry.In this chat Stacey talks about the value of having sub contractors on site and learning from these specialists in their field. And she also talks about ho challenging it as to get started in landscape construction, particularly on a first year apprentice age, but how she did whatever it took, including working three jobs at once, so that she could work in a job she enjoyed.You can follow Stacey on Instagram @landscaper.stacey or @legacygardens.syd and you can see where she learnt he trade @harrisonslandscapingYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Michael McCoy from Michael McCoy Gardens. Michael is a garden design, writer and was the host of the TV show Dream Gardens. Michael is an extremely enjoyable person to talk to and he's got some amazing stories about how he ended up spending 4.5 months at Great Dixter, as well as the story about how he ended up hosting Dream Gardens.Michael also talks about the importance of designing a garden to meet the maintenance possibilities of the client it's for.He also talks about the garden tours he offers in New Zealand.You can follow Michael on Instagram @michaelmccoygardens You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode, the final for 2023, I speak with Lucy Willcox from Lucy Willcox Garden Design. Lucy is a solo landscape designer based in London and has won several design awards in her time in the industry.Lucy didn't start out in the industry but realised she had a passion for it, so jumped in and that passion has only increased since!I first discovered Lucy after seeing her home garden on Instagram and I assumed it was an Australian garden based off the plant selections and hardscaping, but obviously it wasn't, so we discuss Lucy's design inspiration as well.You can follow Lucy on Instagram @lucywillcox and follow her house reno @our60srevampYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode I speak with Scott Latham from Latham Landscapes, a landscape construction company based in Geelong.Scott has only been running the business for a couple of years, but worked for some high quality companies prior to that, so we discuss that experience, as well as the pros and cons of having equipment, such as an Excavator called Bessie, and a tracked dumper called Wendy!Scott also instigated a Geelong landscapers catch up earlier this year, so we discuss the reason behind this as well as what he took away from it.You can follow Scott on Instagram @lathamlandscapesYou can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel

In this episode, I read out a collection of "Crazy client stories" that listeners sent in.There's a story about a cigarette smoking client, a client who baked Olive bread, an alcoholic client, and that's all in the one story!You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page@instyle_gardens@thelandscapingpodcastYou can view each episode on our YouTube channel