In this episode…

Our host, Chris Weiss, chats with Jocelyn Bennett from Earthcore Landscapes, the design force behind the gold-winning Boutique Garden at the 2025 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

Jocelyn shares her unconventional path from engineering student to landscape designer, the challenges and triumphs of showcasing a native garden at MIFGS, and the power of design and construction working hand-in-hand.

She reflects on the steep learning curves of running a small business, setting healthy work boundaries, and the importance of reusing materials and designing sustainably.

With honesty and insight, Jocelyn reveals the highs and lows of building a business with her partner Liam, why native planting inspires her, and why landscape design is as much about problem-solving as it is about creativity.

Key takeaways:

• The value of having in-house construction insight during the design process
• Why native planting and sustainability go hand in hand
• How to manage client expectations and screen for project fit early
• What it takes to prepare for (and survive) a MIFGS build
• Advice for other designers considering Boutique Gardens

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👁️‍🗨️ About Jocelyn Bennett

- Website earthcorelandscapes.com.au

- Facebook Earthcore Landscapes

- Instagram @earthcorelandscapes

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Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers.

Create the perfect backyard with your next project. Get in touch with friendly crew at Coolabah Turf today.

Call 1800 055 515

Visit coolturf.com.au

LV members who mention this ad will get free delivery on their first order.

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au

In this episode…

Our host, Chris Weiss, is joined by plant-loving power duo Lisa Ellis and Teena Crawford, co-authors of the groundbreaking new book Plantology.

With over 60 years of combined experience in landscape design and horticulture, Lisa and Teena walk us through the five-year journey of co-writing this beautifully curated resource, packed with nearly 200 detailed plant profiles, practical design tips, and plant placement strategies.

From stories of childhoods spent in nurseries to navigating publishing setbacks and launching their own publishing house, this episode delves into their enduring commitment to better plant knowledge across the industry.

They discuss the rising importance of biodiversity, plant selection pitfalls, and why they believe Plantology is the new go-to reference for professionals and passionate gardeners alike.

Key takeaways:

• Why right plant, right place is more than just a mantra; it's a necessity.
• How plant selection impacts the success of a garden long term.
• The behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of self-publishing a 3.5kg horticultural bible.
• What they really think about golden diosma and creeping jasmine.
• Why deeper plant knowledge benefits both pros and passionate gardeners.

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👁️‍🗨️ About Lisa Ellis and Teena Crawford

• Website www.lisaellisgardens.com.au & barometerbooks.com
• Resource: Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens
• Facebook @lisaellisgardens & @BarometerBooks
• Instagram @lisaellisgardens @teenacrawford_ @barometerbooks
• LinkedIn @Lisa Ellis & @Teena Crawford

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

Coolabah Turf is an award-winning grower of premium, drought-tolerant, self-repairing instant turf for Victorian residential, council and commercial landscape customers.

Create the perfect backyard with your next project. Get in touch with friendly crew at Coolabah Turf today.

Call 1800 055 515

Visit coolturf.com.au

LV members who mention this ad will get free delivery on their first order.

The Front Garden Podcast is proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria, and is brought to you by Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au

In this episode…

Chris Weiss sits down with Dave ‘Geltchy’ Geltch, General Manager of Farms at Coolabah Turf, to explore the evolving world of turf production.

Dave brings a unique perspective as a landscaper-turned-farmer, offering a deep dive into the intersection of landscaping, horticulture and agriculture. The conversation spans from robotic mowers and turf innovation to site prep best practices and climate resilience.

Hear how automation and R&D are shaping the future of turf farming in Australia, why site prep is critical to long-term turf success, and how Coolabah Turf is tackling labour shortages and environmental pressures through clever technology and customer service. Dave also shares the behind-the-scenes work that goes into developing new turf varieties—and why the right grass in the right setting matters more than ever.

Plus, find out what makes Coolabah Turf more than just a supplier—from farm tours and trade days to hands-on support and good old-fashioned relationship building.

Key Takeaways:

• Automation is the future: robotic mowers, autonomous harvesting, and precision farming.
• Site prep matters: 70% of turf success is in the groundwork.
• Climate and water restrictions are pushing the development of smarter, more drought-tolerant turf.
• Coolabah’s customer service and culture are as important as product quality.
• The landscaper-supplier relationship thrives on clear communication and collaboration.

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

👁️‍🗨️ About Dave Geltch & Coolabah Turf

• Website www.coolturf.com.au
• Coolabah Turf Blog
• Facebook @CoolabahTurf
• Instagram @coolabah_turf
• LinkedIn @David Geltch

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 Coolabah Turf. Visit Victoria’s premium instant turf supplier at coolturf.com.au