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

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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.

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👁️‍🗨️ 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

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 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.

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👁️‍🗨️ 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

In this episode…

Chris Weiss is back and sits down with Cameron Hainsworth of Abcam Horticulture to explore his journey from casually working in nurseries to founding a thriving horticultural business.

Cam shares insights on building a solid foundation in horticulture through apprenticeship and industry experience, the evolution of Abcam’s unique service packages, and the importance of aligning business growth with personal values.

He also highlights the role of mentorship, client relationships, and his participation in industry awards and show gardens. Gain valuable perspectives on tailoring services to client needs, managing work-life balance, and fostering long-term business sustainability in the landscaping industry.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Cameron Hainsworth

• Website https://www.abcamhorticulture.com
• Facebook @abcam.horticulture
• Instagram @abcamhorticulture

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

Landscape designer Ros McCully shares her career journey from graphic design to successful landscape design with stand-in host Ritchie Hinton. Ros offers insights into balancing creativity, client collaboration, and sustainable practices. She highlights the importance of industry connections and adapting plant choices to fit clients’ needs and Victoria’s climate.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Ros McCully

• Website www.rosmccullygardens.com.au
• Facebook Ros McCully Garden Designs
• Instagram @rosmccullygardens
• LinkedIn Ros McCully

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