In this episode I speak with Will Bennett from Wilden Design, a Landscape Architecture firm based in Dubai.
Will was born and studied in the UK before accepting a job in Dubai without ever having visited there. He worked for a firm for 6 years before going out on his own three years ago.
Will has a natural, sustainable style to his landscapes and is pushing the increased use of natives within the Dubai landscape and has ambitious plans of creating Wilden Design firms in multiple countries, which will all contribute to his goal of designing 1 million sustainable, waterwise gardens.
You can follow Will on Instagram @wilden.design
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 139 - Who's your 5 person landscaping dream team?
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on August 13, 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:
Body management. What procedures do you put in place for longevity?
How do you see the landscape design industry moving forward with AI. Positive or negative?
How do you quote excavation to make a profit?
Do Dan Foreman and Ashley James expect a mention every week?
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 138 - Cam Lynch - Timeless Landscaping Projects
In this episode I speak with Cam Lynch from Timeless Landscaping Projects, a construction company based in Ballarat.
Cam has a great story about how he started in the industry not just working in maintenance, which we speak about as a great first step into the industry, but maintaining gardens designed by Paul Bangay and Edna Walling.
Cam talks about the importance of giving all of his clients the same, 100% effort regardless of their budget and he also talks about some pros and cons of social media.
You can follow Cam on Instagram @timelesslandscapingprojects
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 137 - What's the best method for a base when laying stone steppers?
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on August 6, 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:
Do you have any plans on getting a second crew going?
What is your definition of the landscape trade?
What warranty do landscapers provide for plants?
Is Dan Foreman the new Jamie Durie?
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 136 - Curt O'Toole - Urban Elements Landscapes
In this episode I speak with Curt O'Toole from Urban Elements Landscapes, a landscape construction company based in Geelong working on residential, commercial and government projects.
Curt is in his 30th year in the industry so has plenty of knowledge he shares in this episode, and is probably the person who has taught me the most about how to run a landscaping business.
He talks about why his team grew to 20 and how it wasn't his initial plan, and there's plenty of other nuggets of advice Curt shares from his time in the industry.
You can follow Curt on Instagram @uelandscapes
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 135 - What are your crazy paving 'rules'?
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on July 31, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday, sometimes Monday, at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays. In this weeks episode we also had Dan Foreman come on to talk about the upcoming Melbourne Home Show and the garden he's designed for that as well as some of the speakers involved.
In this episode I also answered questions such as:
When starting your company with a trade background, how did you learn the business side?
How much do you pay for workcover?
What's your favourite plant?
What machines/equipment are essential for a successful business?
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 134 - Phil Antcliff and Jack Hayes - Fifth Season Landscapes
In this episode I speak with Phil Antcliff and Jack Hayes from Fifth Season Landscapes. A landscape design, construction and maintenance company based in Sydney.
Phil and Jack were both running their own businesses before deciding to join forces and building their business up to where it is today at 20+ employees with a design office based in New Zealand as well.
It's a great chat to hear about the importance and value of being patient in growing a business and not employing people just for the sake of growing, but employing the right people when they come along and doing whatever you can to keep the good ones.
You can follow Fifth Season Landscapes on Instagram @fifthseasonlandscapes
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
Episode 133 - What's the most pivotal business decision you've made?
This episode, which is a recording of an Instagram Live I did on July 24, 2023, is part of our mid week release which are recorded Live on Instagram every Sunday, sometimes Monday, at 8.30 EST and released as a podcast on Thursdays.
In this episode I answered questions such as:
How many square meters of crazy paving are you getting through per day per guy?
Get LinkedIn or not?
Do you ever go plant shopping yourself or just have them delivered? Are there pro's can cons either option?
What's your process for scope creep and constant changes during construction?
You can follow along with the projects we're currently working on via our Instagram page
@instyle_gardens
@thelandscapingpodcast
You can view each episode on our YouTube channel
