TL;DR: Kahl Gaffke reveals how diversification, resilience and family focus built Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping into a multi-arm landscaping business ready for interstate growth.In this episode…From mowing lawns with a flat-deck Victa to managing multi-acre government contracts, diversifying into plant propagation, and even launching a NSW branch, Kahl Gaffke’s story is all about building resilience. In this candid chat with our host, Adam Hompas, he shares how Gaffke’s Gardens & Landscaping grew from a one-man maintenance service to a 12-person design, construct and maintenance business with a self-sustaining nursery and potting mix operation.Kahl talks openly about tough staffing decisions, balancing family with business growth, and why surrounding yourself with talented specialists makes all the difference. Hear how his team keeps projects flexible by treating designs as “concepts” and how they’re gearing up for the next stage of expansion. What you’ll learn:Why diversification (design, maintenance, nursery, potting mix) future-proofs a landscaping business.How to balance growth with family life and values.The importance of surrounding yourself with specialists (stonemasons, carpenters, bricklayers, etc).Lessons from downsizing post-COVID to protect quality and culture.How to set up supply chains and machinery fleets to overcome regional logistics.Why building an in-house nursery supports big contracts and cuts costs.Practical insights on expanding interstate with limited risk. 🔔 Follow The Front Garden so you don’t miss any future episodes. 👁️‍🗨️ About Kahl GaffkeWebsite: gaffkes.com.auFacebook Gaffke’s Gardens & LandscapingInstagram: @gaffkes_gardens_landscaping “LV membership today feels worlds apart from years ago; the warmth and welcome are real.”Episodes like this prove the power of industry connections. As a Landscaping Victoria member, you’ll access events, insights and a network that helps you grow stronger, smarter businesses. If you’re ready to step up, explore LV membership today.⏰  Timestamps01:00 Falling into landscaping (missed uni, early maintenance)05:00 Family decisions: moving back to Gippsland10:00 Adding design; concept-based flexibility14:00 Building a team of specialists18:00 Scaling up to 21 staff → post-COVID restructure22:00 Government & commercial contracts26:00 Logistics & fleet management32:00 Nursery + potting mix diversification38:00 NSW branch launch (Bega Valley)44:00 LV membership: past vs present48:00 Favourite plants (protea, crape myrtle, weeping lily pilly)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.auLV 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

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