This episode, the final of the Instagram Live episodes, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on November 26, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:How have you gone re-homing your MIFGS plants?How much detail do you give in your quotes?What are your thoughts on companies liquidating and then re-entering the same industry?Is it too early to start putting Christmas messages in your email signature?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 Andy Watkins from Leaf By Leaf, a garden maintenance company based in Melbourne.Andy runs a team of four and started out studying visual arts, and still uses the same design principals he learnt, today.Andy has a great outlook on his business, treating his clients more like a friend than just another paying client. To Andy, "It's not just gardening" that he does for his clients.We also discuss the pros and cons of petrol powered equipment versus battery powered.You can follow Andy on Instagram @leafbyleafYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on November 19, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:What are your 3 favourite podcasts related to the landscaping industry?As a construction company, how much detail do you want in a design?Do you qualify clients before looking at projects?What number am I thinking of?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 Steph Walton from Studio Es Design and Co, a landscape design company based in Adelaide.I was keen to get Steph on to talk to her about the way she's advertising her business, even though she's only been operating 12 months. She talks about the use of 3D designs to not only show her clients the potential of her design, but also to provide social media content. And we also talk about the systems and processes she's putting in place in her business before she's even got an employee, so that when she does have an employee, they can hit the ground running.You can follow Steph on Instagram @studioesdesignandcoYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on November 12, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:What are your business values and why?Do 3D renders create an unachievable expectation?Is work drying up around Geelong?How do you get around rain days?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 Bryce Hillig from Local Green Bean, a garden maintenance company based in New South Wales.Bryce is also studying Landscape Design, and recently had to defer his studies after he was awarded an internship to work in France at Monet's Garden, where he worked for 8 weeks, so we talk plenty about that expereince.Bryce is also looking to build his relationships within the industry, particularly with designers as he looks to increase his design knowledge. A great way to go about it.You can follow Bryce on Instagram @local_green_beanYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on November 5, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:What advice would you give to yourself when you were starting out?How's your front yard coming along?Is it unprofessional to ask for cash on some smaller jobs?Have you ever ruined a client's Christmas by not having their garden ready?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 Grant Boyle from Fig Landscapes, a landscape design, construction and maintenance company based in Byron Bay.Grant shares his story about how, prior to starting Fig landscapes, he worked as a bricklayer and also had a partnership with another landscaping business.He talks about the benefits of building from the ground up when it comes to employing staff, and also talks through his process of how he started getting more of the types of projects he wanted to work on in the early days.You can follow Grant on Instagram @fig_landscapes and you can find more info on his book at guidetobettergardens.com.auYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on October 29, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:As a Landscaping Victoria judge, do you feel you learnt anything that will benefit InStyle?What's your favourite plant?What's something you've learnt from your inhouse designer?Do you think Garden Design is a growing industry?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

This episode, where I speak with Jack Hanley of CHF Landscapes, is a little different to the previous 159 episodes. While Jack is a landscaper, and we do start off talking about his landscaping career, he's also currently in the midst of running 50km every day for 50 days, while still working as a landscaper Monday-Friday for his employer New Era Turf and Landscapes! Jack is doing this incredible feat to raise money for a mental health and wellness program run out of his football club at DeLa Selle, so we talk about how it all came about and what other ridiculous feats he's been up to, including a 100km run earlier this year.You can donate to Jack's efforts via this Go Fund Me page and send him a message on Instagram if you'd like to get one of his shirts, or if you'd like to join him for part of one of the 50km days, which he's doing from now until December 3, 2023.You can follow Jack on Instagram @the_crazy_running_man or @chf_landscapesYou can listen to Jack's two episodes on The Humble Climb podcast Here and HereYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on October 22, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:Is there value in seeking Google Reviews from clients in the early days of a landscaping business?What's your favourite 'day' on a project?Do you back cost your jobs?Have you ever turned a project away because it was too big for your team?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 Nick Rickard from Sheoak Design. Nick runs a business based on the Mornington Peninsula where he does not only Landscape Design, but is also starting to do regenerative garden maintenance.Nick talks about how he likes to incorporate biodiversity seamlessly into his designs rather than making them stand out, and he talks about his passion for improving soil quality and be proactive about good soil rather than reactive after a build has started.Nick is also the co host of The Australian Garden Podcast You can follow Nick on Instagram @sheoakdesignYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on October 15, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:What contributes most to building business credibility/reputation?hat upgrade of vehicle/machine was most vital in the growth of your business?How often do you communicate with a designer while building their garden?Would you fight Jake Paul?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 Nadia Cole from Platylobium Landscape Design, and landscape design company based in Melbourne.Nadia has a great story about how she started in the industry and the value of patience in getting to where you want to go. While always wanting to have her own business, she didn't start Platylobium until she'd worked elsewhere for 14 years. A great example of not needing to start your own business as soon as you've finished studying.Nadia won a Silver Gilt at this years MIFGS and will be heading back again next year with the same team she worked with this year.You can follow Nadia on Instagram @platylobiumYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on October 8, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:What's the best quoting software?What's the most recent thing you YouTube'd to work out how to do it?Have you seen a downturn in the industry as predicted?Do you have multiple design packages you offer?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 Steve Rooney from Living Edge Construction, a landscape construction company based in Bendigo, Victoria.Steve has a fascinating story about his journey in landscaping, having previously been a part of two partnerships with the business and now running it on his own.One of the keys to Steve's success in business has been using business coaches, and he talks about the benefits of that in this chat.Steve also talks about the fact that he studied Horticulture and Landscape Design while he had the business going, not necessarily to do more horticulture or design, but just because he wanted to increase his knowledge.You can follow Steve on Instagram @livingedgeconstructionYou 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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on October 1, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:How do you mitigate price rises when quoting a project a long way out?What's your choice of spirit level brand?What are the main threats to the ongoing success of a profitable sole trader landscaping business?How do you think AI will influence the landscaping industry?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 catch up with Peter Donegan from Peter Donegan Garden Design. This is Peter's third time on the podcast as he was a guest on episode 80 and Special Guest Host on episode 124.Peter is coming to Australia in late October to do a couple of talks for the Australian Institute of Horticulture, and you can buy tickets here to see him speak in Cairns and Melbourne.In this episode Peter not only talks about the reason for coming out to Australia and what he'll be talking about when he does, but I also ask what he's been up to since his Gold Medal winning MIFGS garden.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

This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on September 24, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.In this episode I also answered questions such as:How long do you spend on an average quote?How quick do you try and get quotes back to clients?What's your favourite timber for decking and your thoughts on composite?Do you take smoko from home or buy it?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 Emm Rice from Embrace Garden Co and Jodie O'Toole from Bay Design Gardens. Both based in Melbourne, they met when Jodie was delivering plants as her role as a plant sourcer/supplier to Emm who had specified them in her role as Landscape Designer. They hit it off straight away and have been friends since.Emm is about to launch a Landscape Design workshop where she'll be teaching students how to tackle garden designs, and Jodie will be a part of the workshop, educating students about the right plants to use.This episode is what I look for myself in a podcast: education and entertainment. Landscaping and laughs, so hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did.You can follow Emm on Instagram @embracegardens.co and you can follow Jodie on Instagram @baydesigngardensYou 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