The Front Garden

TL:DR

A practical and candid conversation with Tobias Lestrell (Shapescaper) on better edging systems, weathering steel insights, and the realities of growing an Australian manufacturing business in the landscaping industry.

In this episode…

Adam sits down with Tobias Lestrell, owner and director of Shapescaper, to unpack the story behind a brand that’s become a go-to for metal edging, modular planter boxes and landscape rings.

Toby shares how he moved to Australia from Sweden with an engineering background, entered the landscaping supply world in 2008, and eventually took the leap to build a business of his own. 

Five years in, Shapescaper now manufactures in Bayswater (Melbourne, Australia), supplies through a strong retail network, and continues refining products based on real-world feedback from landscapers.

We also get practical on-site tips, including how to achieve clean curves, what thickness to choose for tighter radii, and what to consider in coastal environments where weathering steel behaves differently. 

Toby talks about the value of education (FAQ resources, videos), the importance of backing your stockists, and what it takes to grow a team while keeping culture strong.

Key takeaways from the episode

• On-site shaping tip: For tight curves, Toby recommends 2mm thickness (it holds shape better and resists kinking) and working slowly rather than forcing the final shape in one go.
• Weathering steel basics: The “rust look” is a protective oxide patina that develops naturally over time; it’s low-maintenance and scratches tend to blend in as it continues to oxidise.
• Coastal considerations: Within 1km of a saltwater coastline, Shapescaper recommends going thicker (e.g., 2.5mm) as the protective oxide doesn’t form in the same way.
• Modular planter box system: Designed so landscapers can combine standard components to create long runs and custom sizes, with internal bracing for structural integrity.
• Distribution focus: Shapescaper prioritises supporting its stockist network rather than selling direct, helping ensure reliable availability for landscapers.
• Business growth realities: Toby speaks candidly about early financial pressure, scaling to a sizeable team, investing in machinery (including automation), and learning the importance of systems as you grow.
• Culture matters: Simple rituals (like a weekly Friday lunch) help keep teams connected when the pace is relentless.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Tobias Lestrell

• Website: shapescaper.com.au
• Blog: Shapescaper Blog
• Facebook: Shapescaper
• Instagram: @shapescapersteel
• LinkedIn: Tobias Lestrell

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

In this episode…

In this episode of The Front Garden, host Adam Hompas is joined by Mitchell William-Kelly and Jaimee Olsen from Green by Nature to unpack what it really takes to operate one of the largest commercial landscaping and grounds maintenance businesses across Australia and New Zealand.

Born from the merger of four established companies, Green by Nature now brings together more than 120 years of collective industry experience. Mitchell shares how the business was strategically restructured into Specialty Services and Landscape Services, allowing the team to sharpen their focus across landscaping, irrigation, sports turf and large-scale commercial maintenance.

From airport precincts and universities to elite sporting facilities and private schools, Jamie provides a behind-the-scenes look at on-site horticultural practices, from 13-week landscape establishment programs and native planting quotas to on-site nurseries and tree farms used for long-term asset management.

The conversation also dives deep into sustainability and technology, including recycled irrigation systems, B Corp certification, carbon reduction targets, and the trial of Australia’s first fully autonomous zero-turn robotic mower at Essendon Fields. Mitchell and Jamie explain how automation is reshaping labour efficiency, quality control, and future workforce skillsets across the industry.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of large-scale landscape delivery, sustainability leadership, and technology-driven operations.

Key Takeaways

• How Green by Nature unified four major businesses into one national brand
• The structure behind Specialty Services vs Landscape Services
• What 13-week landscape establishment programs look like in commercial projects
• How recycled irrigation and on-site nurseries improve sustainability outcomes
• Real-world use of fully autonomous zero-turn robotic mowers in Australia
• Why B Corp certification and carbon reduction targets matter for contractors
• How technology is changing turf diagnostics, pest control and workforce efficiency
• Where large-scale commercial landscaping is headed next

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👁️‍🗨️ About Mitchell William-Kelly & Jaimee Olsen from Green by Nature

• Website: greenbynature.com.au
• Resource: Getting Ready for Summer Landscape and Horticulture Guide
• Facebook: Green by Nature
• Instagram: _greenbynature
• LinkedIn: Green by Nature

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

In this episode…

Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with landscape designer Natalie Back from Living Earth Design in the Dandenong Ranges to explore how a creek-loving childhood, a passion for plants and chickens, and her studies at Swinburne shaped her values-led approach to gardens. 

A former LV student member turned full member and business owner, Natalie is carving out a niche for joyful, resilient landscapes that put soil health, biodiversity and edibles at the heart of the design. 

Natalie talks about designing entirely in 3D with Vectorworks, using immersive walkthroughs to help clients truly understand and refine their gardens before construction. She and Adam dive into briefing for emotion and values, treating water and soil as assets, weaving in veggies and chooks in realistic ways, and why the right design can make a garden genuinely lower-maintenance. 

Natalie also shares the story behind her “Sustainable Sanctuary” garden at MIFGS, her ambitions for future show gardens, practical advice for emerging designers, and the core values that drive her business: freedom, creativity, expertise, resilience and joy.

 Key Takeaways

• Why 3D design matters: Using Vectorworks and walkthroughs so clients can clearly visualise and refine their garden before the build.
• A better client brief: Designing around feelings, values and joy—not just styles or plant lists.
• Soil as a sponge: Keeping rainwater on site, improving soil health and using permeability to build resilience.
• Biodiversity by design: Choosing layered, diverse plant palettes that support insects, birds and broader ecosystems.
• Edibles & chickens: Practical ways to incorporate veggies, wicking beds and chooks into real residential gardens.
• Show garden experience: What Natalie learned creating her “Sustainable Sanctuary” at MIFGS with a $10K OGV grant.
• Values-led business: How her core values guide each project and help qualify the right clients.
• Advice for emerging designers: Stick with it, learn from mistakes, gain construction exposure and know when to say no.

If you’re a landscape designer or contractor looking to grow your skills, build your network and step into opportunities like Natalie’s – from student pathways through to show gardens – Landscaping Victoria membership can help.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Natalie Back

• Website: livingearthdesign.com.au
• Living Earth Design Blog
• Facebook: Living Earth Design
• Instagram: @livingearthdesign
• LinkedIn: Natalie Back

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

In this episode…

Ashley Kellett from Global Landscapes chats with Adam about learning through mistakes, quoting with clarity, choosing the right materials for site and climate, balancing family life with work, and mentoring the next generation. 

From shale in Wonga Park to sand in Bayside, granite vs bluestone, and why limestone’s having a moment, this episode digs into the practical decisions that protect margins and reputation.

Key takeaways:

• Ashley’s journey from apprentice to owner (and why he stayed small on purpose).
• Quoting with transparency: breaking down costs without losing the job.
• Site realities: shifting specs for hard rock, sand, frost and coastal air.
• Materials that last: granite love, bluestone fatigue, limestone rising.
• Design-to-build workflow: quick sketches → outsourced 3D for client clarity.
• Subbie model + ex-apprentices: scaling without over-hiring.
• Handling tricky clients
• Hiring apprentices: what signals to look for (and why sport/teamwork still matters).
• LV wins: marketing masterclass takeaways and a job board lead that paid off.
• What’s next: less on the knees, more management, and maybe pools. 

Enjoyed this episode? Then you’ll love a Landscaping Victoria Membership! Get practical PD, industry nights, job leads, and a trusted community that helps you price with confidence, hire well and grow sustainably. If you’re ready to level up, explore LV membership and plug into tools, training and real-world referrals.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Ashley Kellett

Website: www.globalandscapes.com.au

Facebook: Global Landscapes

Instagram: @global.landscapes.design

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

TL;DR

A practical deep-dive into contractor-first innovation with Madewell Products covering fibreglass reinforcement (GFRP), reusable formwork, architectural concrete know-how, and the on-site support that helps landscapers deliver better work with less labour.

In this episode…

From a simple idea to cut waste on site, Madewell has grown into a contractor-first toolkit for concrete done smarter. Kerolos and Gabe chat with Adam and lift the lid on DuraBar, a lightweight, non-corrosive reinforcement that often beats steel on handling and cost, along with reusable formwork, fibreglass edge boards, tying guns, and the curing/finishing products that save hours when labour is tight. 

It’s practical sustainability backed by real-world support: think pre-dawn demos, a Knowledge Hub with specs and EPDs, and distribution through Bowens/Mitre 10 so the gear actually lands where and when you need it.

Architectural concrete also takes centre stage. We talk mixes, timing, tools and training that lift your finish and protect margins, plus how consistent pricing and sensible logistics help crews quote with confidence. The through-line? A culture of “listen → act → support” that turns innovation into everyday wins on site.

Key takeaways:

• Adopt GFRP early: lighter handling, reduced corrosion risk, simpler logistics, strong sustainability story — and compelling economics.
• Invest in time-savers: tying guns, reusable boards, and fit-for-purpose curing/finishing products pay for themselves in labour saved.
• Upskill for architectural work: hands-on learning beats textbook theory; short courses can lift your finish fast.
• Systemise supply: leverage resellers, plan ahead, and use consistent pricing to protect margins on quoted jobs.
• Culture matters: a contractor-first partner who’ll show up on site can be the difference between “salvaged” and “re-pour”.

If this episode sparks ideas, LV Membership turns them into momentum: hands-on masterclasses, a trusted peer network, exclusive partner offers, and practical resources to help you work smarter (and win better jobs), all under one banner you can stand behind. 

Ready to level up your landscaping business? Join the LV community and put these tools, training and connections to work on your next project.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Kerolos Kodous & Gabe Lucas

• Website: www.madewellproducts.com
• Glass Fiber vs. Steel Rebar Savings Estimator
• Facebook: Madewell Products Australia
• Instagram: @madewell_products
• LinkedIn: Madewell Products, Kerolos Kodous

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

TL;DR: Kahl Gaffke reveals how diversification, resilience and family focus built Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping into a multi-arm landscaping business ready for interstate growth.

In this episode…

From mowing lawns with a flat-deck Victa to managing multi-acre government contracts, diversifying into plant propagation, and even launching a NSW branch, Kahl Gaffke’s story is all about building resilience. 

In this candid chat with our host, Adam Hompas, he shares how Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping grew from a one-man maintenance service to a 12-person design, construct and maintenance business with a self-sustaining nursery and potting mix operation.

Kahl talks openly about tough staffing decisions, balancing family with business growth, and why surrounding yourself with talented specialists makes all the difference. Hear how his team keeps projects flexible by treating designs as “concepts” and how they’re gearing up for the next stage of expansion.

 What you’ll learn:

• Why diversification (design, maintenance, nursery, potting mix) future-proofs a landscaping business.
• How to balance growth with family life and values.
• The importance of surrounding yourself with specialists (stonemasons, carpenters, bricklayers, etc).
• Lessons from downsizing post-COVID to protect quality and culture.
• How to set up supply chains and machinery fleets to overcome regional logistics.
• Why building an in-house nursery supports big contracts and cuts costs.
• Practical insights on expanding interstate with limited risk.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Kahl Gaffke

• Website: gaffkes.com.au
• Facebook Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping
• Instagram: @gaffkes_gardens_landscaping

 “LV membership today feels worlds apart from years ago; the warmth and welcome are real.”

Episodes like this prove the power of industry connections. As a Landscaping Victoria member, you’ll access events, insights and a network that helps you grow stronger, smarter businesses. If you’re ready to step up, explore LV membership today.

⏰  Timestamps

01:00 Falling into landscaping (missed uni, early maintenance)

05:00 Family decisions: moving back to Gippsland

10:00 Adding design; concept-based flexibility

14:00 Building a team of specialists

18:00 Scaling up to 21 staff → post-COVID restructure

22:00 Government & commercial contracts

26:00 Logistics & fleet management

32:00 Nursery + potting mix diversification

38:00 NSW branch launch (Bega Valley)

44:00 LV membership: past vs present

48:00 Favourite plants (protea, crape myrtle, weeping lily pilly)

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

TL;DR: Former chef turned horticulturist Rob Mihailescu shares how he built The Cutting Hedge into a trusted name by putting soil science and sustainability first. From swales to soil prep, this episode dishes up insights on creating gardens that thrive.

In this episode…

From the precision of fine dining to the science of soil health, Rob Mihailescu’s career shift from chef to horticulturist is anything but ordinary. Rob shares with our host, Adam Hompas, how his business, The Cutting Hedge, mixes design, horticultural knowledge, and sustainable practice to create gardens that thrive long into the future.

This episode serves up:

• Why soil preparation is the foundation of every successful garden
• The role of microclimates in plant success
• How swales and erosion control create resilient landscapes
• The importance of collaboration between landscapers, builders, and horticulturists
• Rob’s philosophy on staying small, staying humble, and staying true to your craft

Whether you’re a landscaper, gardener, or homeowner dreaming of a thriving outdoor space, this episode dishes out practical wisdom and inspiration.

💡 LV Members: Don’t forget you have access to exclusive resources, events, and tools to strengthen your landscaping career or business. From contracts and training to mentoring and industry nights, your membership is designed to support your success.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Rob Mihailescu

• Website: www.thecuttinghedge.com.au
• Book a Consult
• Facebook: The Cutting Hedge Landscaping
• Instagram: @the_cutting_hedge_landscaping
• LinkedIn: Robert Mihailescu

⏰  Key Content

2:30 – From fine dining chef to horticulturist

9:00 – Why microclimates matter more than plant trends

15:40 – Soil preparation: the true foundation of landscaping

22:10 – Swales, erosion control, and natural approaches

31:50 – Collaboration vs. competition with other trades

38:00 – Rob’s philosophy: staying small and soil-focused

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

TL;DR: Landscape architect and educator Angela Maroney shares 30+ years of lessons on pricing with confidence, nailing permits and approvals, and switching from free site visits to paid consultations. We dig into systems, time tracking, dispute-prevention, and why continuing education and a strong network protect both your profit and your sanity.

In this episode…

It’s a masterclass in business smarts on The Front Garden as Adam Hompas sits down with Angela Maroney from Your Landscape Journey.  

With more than 30 years in the industry across contracting, design, landscape architecture, teaching, and dispute resolution, Angela brings a wealth of experience to the mic.

From free quotes to guesswork pricing, Angela has seen the pitfalls that can undo even the most talented landscapers. 

Now, through her coaching and education, she’s helping business owners shift their mindset, tighten their systems, and charge for the value they deliver.

Adam and Angela explore:

• Why paid consultations change the client conversation.
• How “guesswork pricing” leads to disputes and what to do instead.
• The role of due diligence in preventing costly permit mistakes.
• Why variations need boundaries (and signatures).
• The hidden impact of time slippage and how to track it.
• Why continuing education and strong networks keep landscapers resilient.

Packed with real-world lessons and plenty of good humour, this episode is a timely reminder that running a landscaping business isn’t just about the tools, it’s about valuing yourself, your time, and your expertise.

Conversations like this show how vital systems, education and support are in running a successful landscaping business. Landscaping Victoria membership connects you with resources, advocacy, and a network of professionals who get it. 

👉 Join today at landscapingvictoria.com.au

 ⏰  Timestamps

This episode is packed with value! Here are some highlights:

• 16:10 – 21:30 → From free quotes to paid Site Audits – the psychology of “free” vs. “valued” and how to reframe that first visit.
• 32:15 – 37:00 → Permits & due diligence – how desktop checks can prevent disputes and who holds responsibility.
• 40:10 – 45:00 → Scope creep & variations – the “variation pad” story and why boundaries protect profit.
• 50:30 – 55:00 → Time slippage & untracked hours – why quoting/admin time needs to be folded into overheads.

👁️‍🗨️ About Angela Maroney

• Website: yourlandscapejourney.com
• Facebook: Your Landscape Journey
• Instagram: @yourlandscapejourney
• LinkedIn: Angela Maroney

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

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

In this episode…

It’s a milestone episode for The Front Garden as Adam Hompas takes the reins as host for the very first time. A landscaper by trade and long-time supporter of the show, Adam steps into the role with a powerful conversation featuring Kurt Everard from TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter).

TIACS provides free, professional mental health counselling to Australia’s blue-collar workers. 

Born out of the TradeMutt workwear movement, their mission is simple: break the stigma, make conversations easier, and ensure support is just a call or text away.

 In Adam’s debut episode, he and Kurt explore:

• The story that inspired TradeMutt and TIACS.
• Why approachable leadership can make or break an apprentice’s experience.
• How small changes in workplace culture can reduce “head noise.”
• Why a text saying “hello” can be the first step to support.
• The future of TIACS and mental health conversations in blue-collar industries.

A powerful first outing for Adam as host, this episode shines a light on the conversations that truly matter.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Kurt Everard from TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter)

• Website: www.tiacs.org
• Get Support: Text TIACS
• TIACS Latest News
• Facebook: TIACS
• Instagram @tiacs_
• LinkedIn: Kurt Everard and TIACS
• YouTube: @tiacs_

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au

TL;DR

From humble beginnings with a wheelbarrow and a shovel, Westland Commercial Group has grown into a powerhouse commercial landscaping business delivering multi-million-dollar projects with an integrated team. In Chris Weiss’s final episode as host, we hear how trust, culture, and bold moves have shaped Westland’s journey, and what’s next for The Front Garden.

In this episode…

In this milestone episode of The Front Garden, Chris Weiss is joined by Lee Povh and Rob Bazzano from Westland Commercial Group, a high-performing business that’s redefined what it means to be a full-service commercial landscaper.

Together, they unpack Westland’s evolution from humble beginnings mowing lawns to delivering high-value projects with in-house teams spanning design, construction, concrete, maintenance, and even electrical. The team shares how culture, trust, and calculated growth have driven their success, and why strong relationships are their secret weapon.

 Key takeaways:

• Westland’s shift from volume residential to complex commercial projects
• How bringing trades in-house has created a powerful one-stop-shop model
• The systems, software, and structure that support high performance
• The importance of internal culture and leadership in team growth
• Why landscaping is one of the most skilled, yet underrated, trades
• A behind-the-scenes look at their Landscape Awards submission
• Chris Weiss reflects on five years as podcast host (and what’s next)

This episode also marks a very special moment: the final appearance of long-time host of The Front Garden podcast, Chris Weiss. 

After five years behind the mic, Chris signs off with gratitude and a smile, reflecting on his journey since the podcast’s launch during the COVID pandemic. From day one, Chris has brought warmth, professionalism, and a genuine passion for the industry to every conversation. 

Landscaping Victoria extends a heartfelt thank you to Chris for his incredible dedication to the podcast, to LV, and to our ever-evolving industry.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Lee Povh, Rob Bazzano and Westland Commercial Group

• Website: www.westlandgroup.com.au
• Instagram: @westlandcommercial
• LinkedIn Lee Povh, Rob Bazzano and Westland Commercial Group

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 ShapeScaper, the Australian made modular steel garden edging and planter system, trusted by landscape professionals nation wide. 

Find your nearest stockist at shapescaper.com.au