TL;DR

Karen Dickson and Greg Palmer from Ayus Botanical join Adam Hompas to explore the art, business and emotion behind plant-led landscape design. From nursery beginnings and commercial projects to botanical retreats and the Chelsea Flower Show, this episode is a thoughtful look at how gardens can shape the way people feel, connect and slow down.

In this episode…

In this episode of The Front Garden, host Adam Hompas chats with Karen Dickson and Greg Palmer from Ayus Botanical about the many layers behind creating thoughtful, plant-rich landscapes.

Greg shares how his early nursery days shaped his deep love of plants, design, and sensory garden experiences, while Karen brings insight into the business, compliance and project management side of running a modern landscape practice.

Together, they unpack the importance of slowing people down through garden design, building strong relationships with contractors and clients, and why preparation, safety, and documentation matter more than ever.

The conversation also takes us behind the scenes of Greg’s return to the Chelsea Flower Show, where he is working on a major Main Avenue garden connected to The Children’s Society.

Key takeaways

• Great gardens are built on plant knowledge, not just construction.
• Sensory details like fragrance, texture, sound and movement can completely change how people experience a space.
• Strong contractor relationships are essential when delivering complex projects.
• Commercial landscaping requires careful attention to contracts, safety, compliance, and risk.
• Therapeutic gardens can create powerful moments of pause, connection, and transformation.
• Chelsea Flower Show operates on a different scale, with major sponsorship, complex logistics, and a strong focus on relocation and legacy.
• Plant selection, soil preparation, and long-term maintenance are critical to successful landscapes.

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Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/

Dean Oliver and Matt Johnston from Can Do Landscapes chat with Adam Hompas about leadership, apprenticeships, communication, and the systems that help landscaping businesses run well on-site and behind the scenes.

In this episode…

What does it take to build a strong landscaping team, create systems that work on site, and step confidently into leadership?

In this episode of The Front Garden podcast, our host, Adam Hompas, chats with Dean Oliver and Matt Johnston from Can Do Landscapes about business growth, training apprentices, on-site communication, and the realities of running efficient, high-performing landscape projects.

Dean shares how he found his way into landscaping after realising a career in property development was not for him, and how Can Do Landscapes grew from humble beginnings in a small apartment storage cage into a well-structured business with clear roles, reliable systems, and a strong team culture.

Matt reflects on his journey from apprentice to second-in-charge and the lessons that came with stepping up, taking ownership, and learning to lead others.

Together, they unpack how strong communication, clear expectations and the right technology can make day-to-day operations smoother, from site management and team coordination through to documentation, quoting and client communication. They also talk openly about safety, mental health, the importance of adapting your leadership style, and why good systems are just as important as good workmanship.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• How Dean built Can Do Landscapes from the ground up
• Why apprenticeship pathways matter and how to bring young people into the industry well
• What Matt learned stepping from apprentice into a leadership role
• Why communication style matters when managing different personalities
• How better systems and apps have improved workflow, record keeping and team communication
• Why safety has to be non-negotiable on site
• The value of documenting time, workflow and variations properly
• How honest client communication helps avoid issues later
• Why drainage, excavation and planning are so critical to a successful outcome
• How machinery and technology are improving efficiency and reducing fatigue on-site
• Why mental health and asking for help matter in leadership roles
• What today’s landscaping businesses should be doing differently from day one

This episode is packed with practical insights for landscapers looking to build better teams, improve workflows, and create businesses set up to grow.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Can Do Landscapes

• Website: www.can-do-landscapes.com
• Facebook: Can Do Landscapes
• Instagram: @candolandscapes

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

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/

TL;DR: In Episode 140 of The Front Garden, Adam Hompas chats with Tomas Runciman from Straightcurve about why garden edging is one of the most overlooked but important elements in landscape construction.

From modular systems and faster installs to material choices and emerging design trends, this episode is a practical look at how the right details can lift the entire project.

In this episode…

Adam Hompas sits down with Tomas Runciman from Straightcurve to explore why garden edging is far more than a finishing touch.

From defining levels and holding materials in place to shaping spaces and supporting long-term design integrity, Tomas makes the case for edging as one of the quiet achievers of the landscape.

Tomas shares his own journey into the industry, from childhood garden drawings and time spent growing food with family, through to studying landscape architecture, horticulture and botany. That blend of design thinking and practical knowledge comes through clearly in this conversation, particularly when discussing how thoughtful systems can improve both the build process and the final result.

The chat dives into the evolution of steel edging and raised garden bed systems, including the benefits of modular construction, flexible and rigid profiles, hidden fixings, and products designed to save time on site without compromising finish. Tomas also explains the growing appeal of weathering steel, the role of galvanised steel in coastal and contemporary projects, and how material choices are shaping the next phase of Australian landscape design.

There’s plenty here for landscapers, designers and contractors alike, from installation considerations and durability to how feedback from the industry helps drive product development. Tomas also shares a sneak peek at what’s next for Straightcurve, including a forthcoming powder-coated range.

Key takeaways

• Garden edging plays a structural role in landscape design, helping define spaces, hold materials, manage levels and maintain design integrity over time.
• Modular systems can dramatically reduce installation time, especially when they eliminate the need for welding, visible fixings and unnecessary on-site fiddling.
• Material choice matters, with weathering steel offering a natural patinaed look and galvanised steel providing longevity, especially in coastal environments.
• Good product design supports better builds, making life easier not only for experienced landscapers but also for teams and DIY users working on site.
• The industry continues to improve through feedback, with contractor input playing a direct role in the evolution of systems and installation methods.
• Straightcurve is preparing to launch a powder-coated range, signalling where landscape detailing and product finishes may be heading next.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Tomas Runciman

• Website: straightcurve.com/au/
• Blog: Garde

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

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/

In this episode…

Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with Mark Slefendorfas, Director of Brocor Group, to talk about building a commercial landscaping business from the ground up.

Mark shares how he went from apprentice to business owner, starting out with the idea that it would just be him, one machine and a bit of work on the side, before growing Brocor Group into a large-scale operation delivering commercial landscaping and maintenance across education, aged care and early learning projects.

The conversation explores the realities of commercial landscaping, from systems, software, and compliance to team culture, apprenticeships, project planning, and the increasing complexity of play spaces, podium landscapes, and maintenance contracts.

Mark also speaks candidly about leadership, the value of backing your people, and why support outside of work matters just as much as what happens on site.

Key takeaways

• Mark’s landscaping journey began with a pull towards outdoor, hands-on work, leading him to leave university and start as an apprentice.
• Brocor Group has grown from a one-man setup into a sizeable commercial landscaping business with both construction and maintenance divisions.
• Maintenance has become a major part of the business, creating longer-term stability and stronger client relationships.
• The business focuses heavily on education, aged care and early learning, with many projects involving playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces.
• Daily reporting systems and job tracking software play a big role in keeping visibility across multiple live sites.
• Mark is a strong believer in doing as much work in-house as possible to maintain quality, ownership and team capability.
• One of the standout initiatives at Brocor Group is a dedicated apprentice mentor role, designed to give apprentices extra support and practical training on the tools.
• Commercial landscaping comes with growing compliance expectations, including OH&S systems, inductions, risk assessments and external certifications.
• The episode highlights how much thought now goes into technical project elements like drainage, podium landscapes, playground audits, soft-fall requirements and material selection.
• Mark speaks openly about culture, leadership and mental wellbeing, emphasising the importance of communication, ownership, support networks and balance outside of work.
• Looking ahead, Mark is focused on improving quality, broadening service capability and continuing to invest in people and smarter systems.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Mark Slefendorfas & Brocor Group

• Website: brocor.com.au
• Blog: brocor.com.au/blog/
• Facebook: Brocor Group
• Instagram: @brocorgroup
• LinkedIn:

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

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/

In this episode…

Our host, Adam Hompas, sits down with Michael Casey, Director of Evergreen Infrastructure, a specialist in green roofs and green infrastructure for urban, built developments.

Michael shares how he found his niche in the early 2000s, why extensive green roofs are among the toughest projects to get right, and what needs to change in the way we design, build, and maintain green infrastructure in Australia.

This is an especially valuable listen for landscape construction businesses working on (or curious about) rooftops, podiums, facades, and multi-res projects, where the margin for error is slim, and the importance of good planning is everything.

Key takeaways for landscaping professionals...

• Start with purpose, then design. Roof gardens aren’t “a garden up high” — they’re an engineered system with performance outcomes (stormwater, thermal capacity, visual impact).
• Weight isn’t static. Saturated media, plant mass growth, root mass, people and maintenance access all change load over time.
• Establishment is everything. Roof conditions are harsh; hand watering and additional early care can make or break success.
• Maintenance isn’t optional. Treat green infrastructure like an asset class that needs long-term budgeting, reporting and auditing.
• Bring the right people in early. Waterproofing, engineering, landscape construction and maintenance all need a seat at the table before designs are locked in.
• Client education prevents conflict. Plant loss can be normal; expectation-setting upfront protects everyone.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Michael Casey

Website: www.evergreeninfrastructure.com.au

Blog: The Evergreen Journal

Facebook: Evergreen Infrastructure

Instagram: @evergreeninfrastructure

LinkedIn: @Evergreen Infrastructure and Michael Casey

About the host
Adam Hompas is a landscape builder with more than 15 years’ experience bringing outdoor spaces to life. As Director of Adam Hompas Landscapes and a registered building practitioner, he combines hands-on construction expertise with a deep understanding of how great landscapes come together.

Known for delivering high-quality projects that balance thoughtful design with practical construction, Adam brings valuable industry insight to every conversation. As host of The Front Garden podcast, he chats with landscapers, designers and industry leaders about the ideas, challenges and innovations shaping the landscapi

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

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/

In this episode…

We’re joined by Alannah Easton, owner of Olivera Landscape Architecture and Design, whose work sits at the intersection of community design, habitat gardening, and practical, buildable landscapes.

Alannah shares her unusual pathway into the industry (from the Department of Justice), why public spaces shape behaviour and connection, and how she’s turning that passion into real change through her school program Plant the Seed.

We also dive into the realities of designing and delivering projects: navigating client budgets, collaborating with construction teams, setting projects up for success with good soil prep, and the not-so-glamorous challenge of planning regulations and overlays.

Alannah wraps by taking us behind her MIFGS Boutique Garden concept; a story-driven design exploring the Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion and how land use has shifted over time, from pre-colonial abundance to pastoral impacts and today’s re-awakening around indigenous vegetation and biodiversity.

Key takeaways

• Place design changes how people feel and behave. Alannah’s early work in community corrections showed her how streetscapes, parks and public spaces can either encourage connection or discourage it.
• Budget conversations work best when they’re staged. Start with the “wish list”, then refine once the concept, materials and scope are clear. Detailed design is where accurate quoting becomes possible.
• Good collaborations make projects smoother. A warm handover to trusted contractors (plus clear communication) helps maintain client confidence from concept through construction.
• Soil prep and plant selection are everything. Alannah designs for resilience by selecting plants suited to the site and climate, then setting them up with proper soil layers and mulch.
• Tube stock can outperform ‘instant’ plants. In the right conditions, younger plants can establish faster and avoid issues like pot binding.
• Plant the Seed: school gardens as climate + community infrastructure. Alannah’s program helps schools lift biodiversity, habitat value, and tree canopy, creating cooler, safer grounds and getting kids genuinely invested.
• Planning is often the biggest headache. Overlays and inconsistent interpretation can add time, cost and frustration, building in amendment rounds and setting expectations early is key.
• MIFGS Boutique Garden insight: Alannah is using a layered design to tell a land-use story across three eras, connected by a sculptural “tree stump” centrepiece and water moving through the site.

👁️‍🗨️ About Alannah Easton

• Website: olivera.com.au
• Plant the Seed
• Facebook: oliveragardendesigns
• Instagram: @oliveragardendesign
• LinkedIn: Alannah Easton

🔔 Follow The Front Ga

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

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/

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!

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.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!

Specifically designed for DIY Gardeners and Landscapers around the world. Designed with simple installation in mind, including; pre-drilled & prepared for assembly, no training or experience necessary. Straightcurve is surprisingly affordable compared to the alternatives, find your closest dealer here.

The Front Garden podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Straightcurve, providers of premium steel edging solutions.

Visit Straightcurve to learn more at https://straightcurve.com/au/