The audience enjoyed the discussion by designers Richard Unsworth, Nicola Cameron and Adam Robinson
The audience enjoyed the discussion by designers Richard Unsworth, Nicola Cameron and Adam Robinson
LandscapeLandscape event

Landscape expo

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Compiled by Karen Smith

In its second year, organisers were happy with a significant increase in exhibitors and visitors to the Landscape Expo held recently at TAFE NSW,  Ryde Campus. Sydney turned on beautiful sunshine, which added to the already positive atmosphere of the event.

The venue offers indoor, outdoor, and undercover positions for exhibitors to display their products, and the flow was easy for the more than 800 visitors to meander through, talk to the exhibitors, and look at their displays. Visitors could sit in the speaker’s hall and listen to speakers or watch a demonstration in the Village Green space.

Charlie Albone giving a presentation on show gardens modular landscape designs
Charlie Albone giving a presentation on show gardens modular landscape designs

TLA Expo organisers stated that the Expo is the only landscape trade event in NSW/ACT. They reiterated that it’s been a great success for TLA (The Landscape Association), increasing industry awareness and membership value, attracting new sponsors, and supporting 16% membership growth for TLA since 2023. This year’s Expo was bigger and better, with a larger footprint and a 40% increase to more than 70 exhibitors, a great mix of new and returning supplier companies.

From hand tools to power tools, plants and pavers, the expo had it covered
From hand tools to power tools, plants and pavers, the expo had it covered

The Expo featured an enhanced speaker program, with half-hourly presentations at two locations. Speakers included celebrity landscaper (and TLA ambassador) Charlie Albone of TV’s Better Homes and Gardens, who gave a presentation on modular landscape designs and, in particular, an award-winning show garden he designed at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show using the flexible products from Shapescaper (Support Sponsor).

There was plenty of interest at The Landscape Store, suppliers of everything from Irrigation, drainage, lighting and more
There was plenty of interest at The Landscape Store, suppliers of everything from Irrigation, drainage, lighting and more
The breakfast bacon and egg rolls were a winner
The breakfast bacon and egg rolls were a winner

Talks on offer in the speaker’s arena included Sam Dalton and Mary-Claire King from Arborgreen, who discussed ‘The right tools for the job’ and demonstrated the differences between the tools they supply.

The topic of choice for WaterUps CEO Ian Collins was ‘The importance of sub-irrigation in biophilic design’. Benjamin Beaumont from Vectorworks and Matt Leacy covered ‘Shovel ready CAD’, and Matt Nash from Prestige Surfaces ( a Support Sponsor) presented ‘The importance of natural stone and concrete protection in landscaping’. Joshua Muscat of Green Turf Life and Joe Rogers of Lawn Solutions Australia, along with their ambassador Jason Hodges, had turf covered, their topic being ‘Turf talk with the lawn legends’. Irrigation plays a big part in any landscape and Ryan Imlach, Head of Digital from Sunshower Online offered a presentation, ‘Add irrigation to your landscape projects and do it easy’.

A variety of demonstrations were performed in the outdoor arena
A variety of demonstrations were performed in the outdoor arena

TLA and LDI (Landscape Design Institute ) organised a panel discussion with  Landscape Designers Adam Robinson (Adam Robinson Designs), Richard Unsworth (Studio UC), and Nicola Cameron (Pepo Botanic Designs) with their take on ‘Landscape Trends’.

‘Harries’ from Bondi Rescue also attended as an Ambassador of AH Glass fencing and NCS (Non-Conductive Spigots) who demonstrated their Australian-designed products. Pool fencing and water safety are topics close to Harries’s heart.

Construction experts and product demonstrations were a highlight at the Village Green space, as were representatives from SafeWork NSW, who discussed silica safety.

A ladder for every occasion, including these with adjustable legs for uneven ground from Henchman
A ladder for every occasion, including these with adjustable legs for uneven ground from Henchman
TAFE NSW Ryde campus has plenty of room to spread out
TAFE NSW Ryde campus has plenty of room to spread out

Landscape professionals from all segments of the industry enjoyed the trade exhibits, product demonstrations, speakers’ program, and the buzz of catching up with industry colleagues and friends.

The CEO of The Landscape Association, Jodie Dean, said, “The Expo was an even bigger success than the launch event in 2023, drawing attendees from far and wide, covering professionals in construction, maintenance, and design. We loved welcoming members, students and the industry at large, and showcasing the landscape industry’s breadth, diversity and professionalism”, she said. “It was great to see the knowledge transfer and commercial relationships sparked at the event.”

The expo was sponsored by some of the leading companies in the landscape industry, including major sponsors Arborgreen, suppliers of a vast array of products to the landscape and horticulture industry, from landscape supplies to nursery, revegetation, tools, and much more. WaterUps also sponsored the expo for the first time. WaterUps are world leaders in sub-irrigation wicking bed technology, saving 80% on water usage. Events rely on sponsorship, so please try to support these businesses when you can.

TAFE NSW’s collaboration was central to the day’s success. The college hosted the event and facilitated attendance by students studying landscape and horticulture qualifications.

Attendees accessed Expo deals and sponsored prizes throughout the day, and TLA promoted its free student membership.

For a list of all the sponsors, exhibitors, and the program of activities, visit https://www.landscapeassociation.com.au/2024-landscape-expo/. For information about student and landscape business membership of TLA, contact team@landscapeassociation.com.au

All images supplied by Karen Smith

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