In this episode…

Chris Weiss chats with Abby Kempe from Tradeswomen Australia (TWA), who shares insights on promoting gender diversity in the trades industry. Abby discusses TWA's role as a social enterprise, emphasising the importance of education and cultural change in creating inclusive workplaces.

She explores the challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining women in trades, highlighting the value of open conversations and practical solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Abby explains that everyone can contribute to shaping a more inclusive industry, whether you're a small residential landscaping company or a large corporation. It starts with a simple conversation: Where are you at, and where do you want to be?

Some key takeaways from this episode: 

🔧 How TWA balances immediate impact with long-term cultural change 

🏗️ The importance of psychosocial change in the trades industry 

💡 Practical steps for businesses to create more inclusive work environments 

🤝 Why open, judgment-free conversations are crucial for progress

🔔 Hit 'FOLLOW' so you don't miss future episodes of The Front Garden.

👁️‍🗨️ About Abby Kempe

• Website: https://tradeswomenaus.com
• Resource: TWA Services Guide
• Facebook: @twaustralia
• Instagram: @twaustralia
• LinkedIn: @abbykempe @tradeswomen-australia

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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…

Chris chats with Michael Chapple from Urbane Landscape Construction, who shares his insights on growing a successful landscape business. Michael emphasises the importance of building a trusted team and offering comprehensive services. 

He discusses industry challenges, innovative techniques, and plans for Urbane, highlighting the value of professional development and client education in the evolving landscaping market.

Some key takeaways from this episode:

🌱 How to go from a one-man show to full-service landscape pros

🏗️ Becoming a Registered Building Practitioner

💡 Game-changing materials you need to know about

💰 Pricing strategies for 2024 and beyond

🔔 Hit ‘FOLLOW’ so you don’t miss future episodes of The Front Garden. 

👁️‍🗨️ About Michael Chapple

• Website https://urbanelandscape.com/
• Facebook: @urbanelandscapeconstruction
• Instagram: @urbanelandscape_pty_ltd  
• LinkedIn: Michael Chapple

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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…

Chris chats with experienced landscape designer Paul Pritchard, who shares insights on transitioning from construction to landscape design and his recent win at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS). 

He emphasises the importance of horticultural knowledge in landscaping and discusses industry trends towards sustainability and new materials. 

🔔 Subscribe For More Landscaping Industry Insights
 
👁️‍🗨️ About Paul Pritchard

• Website: https://ppld.com.au
• View Paul's 2024 Boutique Garden winning entry – Innersanctum
• Facebook @ppldelwood
• Instagram @ paulpritchardlandscapes

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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

After four years, co-host Tyson Owen bids farewell to Chris Weiss and The Front Garden podcast, reflecting on the podcast’s history, memorable moments, challenges faced, and lessons learned. 

Chris and Tyson look back on the podcast's journey from a COVID-era connection tool to a valuable industry resource and a good yarn, emphasising perseverance, valuing yourself, and the importance of sharing diverse experiences in the landscaping field.

Tyson shares his most memorable episodes:

• Paul Hamilton (Ep. 78); discussing work-life balance and burnout
• Brendan Condon on sustainable urban agriculture
• Mike Jantz on transitioning from landscaping to winemaking

From the team at The Front Garden Podcast, Landscaping Victoria, and our listeners… thanks for the memories, Tyson. Cracking innings!

🔔 Subscribe For More Landscaping Industry Insights 

 👁️‍🗨️ About Tyson Owen | Signature Landscapes

• Website https://www.signature-landscapes.com.au
• Facebook @thesignaturelandscapes
• Instagram @signature_landscapes

The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.

Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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…

Chris & Tyson chat with landscaper Matt James and designer Nadia Cole about their experience creating a show garden for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. 

They discuss the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from collaborating on a high-profile project with tight deadlines and logistical hurdles.

 🔔 Subscribe For More Landscaping Industry Insights 

👁️‍🗨️ About Matt James | Atlas Concrete & Landscapes

• Website https://atlasconcreteandlandscapes.com
• Facebook @atlasconcreteandlandscaping

👁️‍🗨️ About Nadia Cole | Platylobium Landscape Design

• Website https://www.platylobium.com.au
• Facebook @platylobium
• Instagram @platylobium
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-cole-69681345/

The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.

Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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

Chris & Tyson chat with Ken Bartlett from Ace Contractors Group. Ken digs into the complexities of commercial landscaping, including working with major builders, extensive safety procedures, and challenges like tight budgets and workforce diversity. The episode provides insight into how large-scale landscaping projects differ from residential work, highlighting the importance of relationships, systems, and adapting to market conditions.

🔔 Subscribe For More Landscaping Industry Insights 

👁️‍🗨️ About Ken Bartlett | Ace Contractors Group

• Website https://www.acecon.com.au
• Facebook @acecontractorsgroup
• Instagram @acecontractors
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-bartlett-b915b25a/
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ace-contractors-group/

The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.

Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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…

Chris & Tyson chat with Emmaline Bowman from STEM Landscape Architecture & Design and Liam Riley from ID Landscaping Design & Construction. 

They discuss their experiences creating award-winning show gardens together at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS), highlighting the challenges, rewards, and lessons learned from participating in the event. 

They emphasise the importance of collaboration, detailed planning, and authenticity in design for success in landscaping.
 

🔔 Subscribe For More Landscaping Industry Insights 

👁️‍🗨️ About Emmaline Bowman | STEM Landscape Architecture & Design

• Website https://www.stemlandscape.com
• Facebook @EmmalineBowmanSTEM
• Instagram @stem_emmalinebowman
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmaline-bowman-7b100094/

👁️‍🗨️ About Liam Riley | ID Landscaping Design & Construction

• Website https://www.idlandscaping.com.au
• Facebook @ IDLandscaping
•  Instagram @id_landscaping

 The Front Garden is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria and is brought to you by Botanix Plant Supply.

Landscaping Victoria: https://www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/

 Botanix Plant Supply: https://www.botanixplantsupply.com.au

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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…

Benjamin Warner, General Manager at Urban Development Landscapers (UDL) Group, chats with Chris and Tyson and takes us on a journey from milking cows to million-dollar developments.

Benjamin took an adventurous path from studying landscape architecture in Canada to becoming the General Manager at UDL Group, one of Victoria's largest commercial landscaping companies. 

UDL operates on a massive scale, constructing major projects, including sprawling streetscapes, parklands with giant sculptures, and complex wetland systems for developers and councils. With over 100 employees, Benjamin covers how dot-the-i's processes, innovative tech, and old-fashioned community partnerships are mission-critical.

👁️‍🗨️ About UDL Group & Benjamin Warner

• Website: https://udlgroup.com.au
• Facebook @udlgroup
• Instagram @udlgroup
• LinkedIn @udl-group-pty-ltd and @benjamin-warner

🔔 Hit Follow For More Landscaping Industry Insights 

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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…
Ross Anderson, the New Equipment Business Manager at William Adams CAT, joins Chris and Tyson to share his story or leaving Australia as a landscaper before returning several years later with experience running the state member association and getting involved in the heavy machinery industry.

He provides insights into the landscaping industry's challenges, the role of associations, sustainable equipment developments at CAT, and how they engage the residential landscaping market.

🔔 Follow for More Landscaping Industry Insights | The Front Garden Podcast

👁️‍🗨️ About Ross Anderson and William Adams CAT

• Website: www.williamadams.com.au
• Facebook: @WilliamAdamsCAT
• Instagram: @williamadamscat
• LinkedIn: @ross-anderson or @william-adams-pty-ltd

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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

Chris & Tyson chat to Chris Defina (Head of Sales) & Marc Jarvis (Head of Marketing) from Arborgreen (Presenting Partner of The Landscape Show) in the latest episode of The Front Garden. 

Arborgreen is an Australian, family-owned and run business. They sell products and materials for tree establishment and care. If the right product doesn’t exist they will invent it!  They are passionate about your success and will help you to achieve your botanical goals quickly and cost-effectively.

EPISODE LINKS:
Arborgreen - https://www.arborgreen.com.au/

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

Entries are now open for the 2026 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards.

Showcase your work, build your credibility, and celebrate your team’s achievements.

Entries close Friday, 4 September.

 Enter online today through Landscaping Victoria and put your business in the spotlight.

Manufactured right here in Australia using Australian BlueScope steel, SHAPESCAPER products are built tough for DIY projects, professional landscaping, and heavy-duty commercial installations. Explore SHAPESCAPER steel planters and garden edging today, and shape your outdoor space with confidence. 

 Find out more by visiting shapescaper.com.au

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