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In this conversation, we covers Dom's creative process, where he finds inspiration for his designs, the challenges and rewards of landscape architecture, and what keeps him passionate about creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Most importantly, we discuss how good design can transform not just spaces, but the way people experience and interact with their environment.

Dom's insights offer valuable perspectives for anyone interested in design, creativity, or simply understanding what goes into creating the beautiful landscapes we all enjoy. His approach to his work is a reminder that true passion for your craft shows in everything you create.

CONNECT WITH DOM:
Website: https://www.gsla.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenspacela/

BOOKS WE DISCUSSED:
Bill Bryson ‘Down Under’ https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Under-Travels-Sunburned-Country-ebook/dp/B00354YA2M

Pollyanna Wilkinson ‘How to Design a Garden’: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/how-to-design-a-garden-9780241648810

Sue Stuart-Smnith ‘The Well Gardened Mind' : https://www.suestuartsmith.com/book

WHERE DOM DRAW’S INSPIRATION FROM
Phillip Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/phillip_johnson_landscapes/
Fiona Brockhoff: https://www.instagram.com/brockstar64/
Rick Eckersley: https://www.instagram.com/eckersleygardenarchitecture/
Fig Landscapes https://www.instagram.com/fig_landscapes/

Photos of Dom's projects: https://www.gsla.com.au/work

Attilla’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/4-attila-the-horticulturalist/id1770950686?i=1000671948342

Connect with Dan here: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan/

Enjoyed this episode? If Dom's passion for design inspired you as much as it did me, I'd love it if you could leave us a 5-star review - it really helps other people discover these conversations. Don't forget to subscribe to Dan the Plants Man podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear about following their creative passion.

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with my great mate Josh Hooper for an inspiring conversation about career growth, priorities, and staying true to what matters most. Josh's journey is one that perfectly illustrates how dedication, humility, and having the right priorities can lead to meaningful success.

From being my first apprentice, Josh went on to build an impressive career, while never losing sight of what's truly important in life. His story takes us from those early apprentice days right through to moving to Adelaide and going on to managing a massive $4 million commercial project. Now returned to Canberra, he's launching his own business with a clear vision of what success looks like to him.

What makes this conversation so special to me is the genuine friendship Josh and I have developed over the years. I had the privilege of attending his wedding, witnessing firsthand the kind of person Josh is both professionally and personally. Throughout his incredible journey, Josh has remained remarkably humble - you'd never know from talking to him just how much he's achieved.

In a world where "bigger is better" seems to be the default mindset, Josh brings a refreshing perspective. He's focused on doing what he wants to do while ensuring he has time for what truly matters - his family and his golf game. This balance between professional achievement and personal fulfillment is something we can all learn from.

Our conversation covers Josh's journey from apprentice to business owner, the challenges of managing large-scale commercial projects, and the importance of staying humble despite success. Most importantly, we discuss why "bigger isn't always better" and how to build something meaningful while staying true to your values.

Josh's story is a reminder that success doesn't have to come at the expense of the things that matter most. His approach to business and life offers valuable insights for anyone looking to create their own path while keeping their priorities straight.

Connect with Josh on his Insta: www.instagram.com/hooper_irrigation/

Connect with Dan here: https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan/

Enjoyed this episode? If Josh's story resonated with you as much as it did with me, I'd love it if you could leave us a 5-star review - it really helps other people discover these conversations. Don't forget to subscribe to Dan the Plants Man podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear Josh's inspiring story.

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

In this episode, I have a fantastic chat with Daniel, AKA Ollie from Althaus Landscape Designs, which is based in Ballarat. Now this one was actually recorded way back in September and I was devastated when I thought I lost the audio file. And after a few YouTube videos and a fair bit of sort of researching, I managed to find a way to back on the backup and it took a bit of work to restore the file, but I'm so happy I was able to salvage it because it's just a really inspiring story.

We're talking about a journey from military service to becoming a horticultural powerhouse, family influences that changed everything, his experience at the Melbourne Flower Show (he has built 2 display garden there), some health scares that really put his life into perspective. And yeah, it was just some life changing moments there.

But yeah, trust me, I think you'll, you'll enjoy this incredible story. Ollie was really kind to be, you know, a bit vulnerable and, and really share some, some truth.

Connect with Daniel here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/althaus_landscape_designs

Website: https://althauslandscapedesigns.com.au/

Click here to check out photos of Daniel's 'Mother Ocean' garden from MIFGS 2024: https://shorturl.at/jyqkO

Koda Moss: https://www.instagram.com/koda.moss/

Klaycon Landscape Construction: https://www.instagram.com/klaycon_lc/

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

Hello friends, Dan Cusack here, your host, back again with another fascinating conversation! Today, we’ve got some royalty in the house—Dougal King, former owner of Cool Climate Landscaping in Canberra. At just 28 years old, Dougal has already had an impressive career. He’s participated in several WorldSkills competitions, often called the "Tradie Olympics," and built stunning display gardens at both the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and Canberra’s Floriade.

In this episode, we dive into Dougal’s career journey, including how he aimed to build his skill set before starting his business earlier than expected. He also shares insights on business partnerships—the pros and cons—and what it’s like transitioning from running your own business to working for someone else.
Dougal’s achievements at such a young age are inspiring, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for him. If you’re interested in connecting with Dougal, follow him on Instagram @dougalking.

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

Hey friends, Dan Cusack here, your host, back again with another fun episode!

Today, I’m chatting with Jo Henley, one half of Henley’s Rustics—a family business that creates beautiful handmade garden and wicking beds from reclaimed corrugated iron. I can personally vouch for their quality, having had seven delivered for my own garden recently!

In just 12 months, Jo has built an incredible business and a strong social media presence. In this episode, we dive into her journey, discuss her background, and explore how she and her father have created something magical together. Jo shares why they’re not rushing to scale, and how they’re focused on enjoying the process. We also touch on the unique challenges of living in a small country town, with Jo being refreshingly honest about the ups and downs.

It’s a lively conversation with plenty of energy, as Jo and I chat about everything from garden beds to rural life. If you’re interested in purchasing some of these gorgeous garden beds, check out the show notes for more information, and don’t forget to follow Jo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Henleys_rustics

Or check out her website: https://www.henleysrustics.com.au/

I hope you enjoy this chat with Jo Henley of Henley’s Rustics as much as I did!

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Dan the Plant Man podcast! Today, I’m excited to chat with a great friend and landscape construction expert, Jarrod Poole from LandCulture. Based in Canberra, Jarrod is not only building beautiful gardens around town but also a qualified landscape architect, combining both disciplines in his work.

In this episode, we explore his fascinating journey, touching on how career paths don’t have to be linear. Jarrod's experience across different workplaces has given him diverse skills that he channels into his passion for landscaping. We also talk about his involvement with Floriade’s display gardens and his recent appointment as a director on the board of the Landscape Association—a true testament to his hard work and commitment to the industry.

We wrap up by busting some common business myths and diving into the balance of order and chaos in work and life. It’s an insightful conversation, and I hope you’ll enjoy hearing more about Jarrod’s story.

Feel free to connect with me on Instagram @theplantmanisdan or follow Jarrod at @LandCultureAU. Enjoy this chat with Jarrod Poole from LandCulture!

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Dan the Plant Man podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to chat with someone I’ve wanted to connect with for a long time—Attila the Horticulturist, a well-known figure in Canberra’s gardening community. I had the pleasure of visiting his stunning property in Bywong, and though I was a bit late, I could have easily spent hours soaking up his wisdom and walking the grounds.

Attila is as humble as he is knowledgeable, and while he doesn't like to be called an expert, his passion and generosity with his advice are truly infectious. In this episode, we dive into his journey, how he got into the industry, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This is just the beginning—I’ve got a list of topics I’m eager to explore with him in future conversations.

Make sure to follow Attila the Horticulturist on Instagram (@attilathehorticulturist) for more of his insights and tips. His approach to gardening—acknowledging that there’s always more to learn—is a refreshing reminder that the world of plants is endlessly humbling and inspiring.

Enjoy this conversation, and thanks again, Attila, for sharing your time and passion!

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening

Send us a text

Welcome back to the Dan the Plant Man podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Jarrod Poole and Dougal King, as well as myself and Michael Blasch from CIT. Together, we make up the Floriade Committee, working to promote the landscape industry here in Canberra by pushing for more display gardens.

For those unfamiliar, Floriade is Canberra's iconic flower and entertainment festival held annually in Commonwealth Park. With over 400,000 visitors each year, it features stunning displays of flowering bulbs, sculptures, and artistic designs, drawing inspiration from its Latin roots meaning "to design with flowers."

This year, we’ve had seven display gardens created by various landscape contractors and designers. Our conversation highlights the hard work behind these gardens and the generous support from suppliers and sponsors. Whether you're in the industry or simply a fan of Floriade, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

If you’re a landscaper or designer looking to get involved next year, we’d love to have 10 display gardens in 2025! Feel free to reach out via Instagram @theplantmanisdan.

Enjoy this insightful chat with Jared Poole, Dougal King, and myself, and don’t forget—Floriade runs until October 13, 2024, so be sure to check it out!

Dan the Plant Man is produced by Dan Cusack.

The theme song is thanks to the incredibly talented Jack Biilmann, who you can find all over Spotify, the internet, Touring Australia, and in our show notes. And if you want to say hi, the best way to do that is to head to our Instagram, which is https://www.instagram.com/theplantmanisdan or you can email me at hello@dantheplantman.com.au

But most of all, I just want to say thank you so much for listening