From aussie apprentice to kiwi craftsman

When Matt Morrison left school on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and picked up a shovel for a two-week work experience placement, he had no idea it would set the foundation for a life in landscaping

Now, alongside his wife Becs, he owns and runs Total Landscape Solutions in Palmerston North – a company known for its professionalism, strong communication and diverse skillset.

Following his placement, Matt completed a four-year trade apprenticeship in structural landscaping in Australia, which included one day a week at TAFE, the equivalent of New Zealand’s polytech.

“It was pretty intensive. We had to learn around 30 plants a week by both botanical and common names, and there was a high standard expected of us – 70% minimum to pass,” he says.

The formal training also included modules on soil science, drainage, levels and materials, providing a solid base that still shapes his work today.

After a stint landscaping in the UK, where he had to navigate frozen ground and wheelbarrow soil through client’s houses, Matt returned to Australia and eventually made the move to New Zealand in 2007 to be closer to Becs’ family. It was the right time to start something of their own, and Total Landscape Solutions was born.

“I was also working full-time in HR back then,” says Becs, who has played a vital behind-the-scenes role in the business since day one.

“As we grew, I gradually stepped back from my other work. But, post-Covid, I took on some contracts as, like most, we didn’t know what was going to happen with the economy.”

A frenzy of work

Matt laughs now about the thought that post-Covid would bring quieter times. In fact, as for many landscapers, it brought “a frenzy of work” and the company’s busiest three years on record. “We’re still busy now, but it’s always about trying to find the right balance,” he says.

Today, the company has six staff: three in maintenance and three (plus Matt) in construction, and they are currently recruiting for another landscaper. They also have two design contractors they work alongside.

Their work is split between residential and commercial, with projects ranging from full backyard renovations to Kāinga Ora builds and large-scale planting contracts.

One standout job was the Metlifecare retirement village in central Palmerston North, a multi-phase project that Matt says is maturing beautifully.

In-house expertise

Matt’s training and experience means the company can take on a wide scope of work without excessive subcontracting.

“We can do things in-house like block work, paving and pergolas, which some other landscapers might subcontract out,” he says. “Of course, we still bring in specialists when needed – but being able to build many elements ourselves makes us flexible.”

Matt’s strong plant knowledge also sets him apart, having had to learn around 2000 botanical names during his apprenticeship. That depth of knowledge has proved crucial in adapting designs specific to the soils of the Manawatū – from river silt to heavy clay – and in diplomatically managing specifications that don’t always suit local conditions.

Upholding trust

Total Landscape Solutions has been a Registered Master Landscaper (RML) member for more than a decade. Matt says the RML plays an important role in helping uphold quality and trust in the profession.

“In NSW, you have to be licensed to do structural landscaping. That doesn’t exist here, which is

why we were really drawn to RML. It’s one of the only ways clients can be confident they’re getting someone qualified and accountable.”

Becs says their team culture is built around fairness, strong communication and presence on site: “Matt’s known locally as Aussie Matt. He’s hands-on, honest, and if he can’t be on-site due to weather or delays, he always lets the client know. That sounds simple, but it’s huge in building trust, and Matt says he often gets feedback from clients on this, as tradies are not always known for good communication!”

Clear communication is essential

Matt agrees, adding that clear, consistent communication with clients is an essential part of his service.

“It helps to build trust with clients, but also keeping a paper trail is key. It’s common sense but, if you have a discussion on the phone, make sure to follow up with an email to ensure you are all on the same page and you have agreement on what the client wants.”

On site, the Total Landscapes team holds weekly meetings to go over job progress, discuss problems and consider solutions.

“We want everyone to feel confident sharing ideas and raising issues. That makes for better results across the board,” says Matt.

Sustainability is woven into their daily operations as well. “Matt’s an avid recycler. He’ll de-nail boxing timber to reuse it and he’s always thinking about the most responsible way to do things,” says Becs.

Permeable surfaces are also a growing focus, both in response to council requirements and as a practical design approach in tighter subdivisions.

Matt says he’ll discuss permeable alternatives with clients if they are wanting a concreted or paved area and drainage is an issue.

The company’s plant supply is mostly local, using nearby nurseries such as Leafland and Kauri Park. “We’re lucky here, because you can get really high-quality plants without trucking them across the country. That’s a real plus for us,” says Matt.

Managing workloads

As for the future, Matt is hoping to strike more balance between time on the tools and managing the growing workload.

Matt admits he can’t sit still for long and gets a bit antsy if he spends too long in the office, but says “recruiting another person for the construction team will give us a more balanced workload”.

After nearly two decades in business, the Morrisons are proud of the team they’ve built, the gardens they’ve constructed, and the reputation they’ve earned. And if there’s one lesson they’d share with newcomers, it’s this: have a contract in place, and put everything in writing.

“You learn some lessons the hard way,” says Becs. “But if you keep your standards high and treat people right, it always pays off in the long run.”