For Lindsay Fox, gardening is more than a job - it’s a passion, a craft, and a way to connect with people. From humble beginnings with a ute and a vision, he’s grown Lindsay’s Gardening & Property Maintenance into a trusted local business, combining skill, hard work, and the right tools to get the job done.
From Apprenticeship to Independence
Growing up in Lake Cullulleraine, Foxy got his start as a gardening apprentice at Werrimull School at just 18, picking up the hands-on skills that would define his career. He moved through seasonal roles at the Mildura Lawn Tennis Club and a winery, then spent 18 years in a vineyard, mastering every aspect of the job. “I just wanted to start working on my own and build my own business,” he says, reflecting on the moment he decided to launch Foxy’s Gardening & Property Maintenance in 2014.
Today, his services span mowing and edging to planting, pruning, fertilising, mulching, and even sprinkler repairs. “I pretty well cover everything,” he adds, highlighting the hands-on, all-in-one approach that has become his signature.
The Challenges of Running Solo
In the early days, Foxy worked out of a small ute and trailer, where even simple errands meant extra effort. “To go anywhere else, I had to unhook the trailer, take all the gear out, go up the street, then come back and hook it all up again,” he recalls. Determined to streamline his workflow, he kept looking for smarter solutions.
About six and a half years ago, he visited Johnson’s Trucks to explore options. “I looked at Isuzu and a few different ones, but the Hino was virtually the same length and width - actually half a metre shorter - with more carrying capacity. The height was lower too, which is perfect for getting under carports,” he explains.
His first Hino, a 300 Series 616 Trade Ace, made an immediate impact. “It’s just driving like a ute,” he says. With a true automatic transmission and Hino’s proven reliability, the focus could finally stay on the work, not the vehicle. Custom toolboxes, a green waste bin, and ramps turned the truck into a seamless extension of his business.
Upgrading to a Tipper
After five years, Foxy decided it was time to take the next step. “I thought it was about time to upgrade to a tipper… to make my life easier, to move my business forward,” he says. The new Hino 300 Series tipper allowed him to pick up and deliver mulch, soil, and prunings all in one trip, boosting his productivity. “Before, I’d have to change trailers or get things delivered. Now I can cut more prunings and green waste away and do more trips,” he says.
Customisation made all the difference. Toolboxes, a water tank, a power lead for trailer equipment, tinted windows, mats, and seat covers tailored the truck for full workdays. The final touch was the wrap - turning it into a moving advertisement. “I wanted something to make it more professional… something more, you know, out there,” Lindsay says. “The new truck is probably my proudest moment. When it heads out into the world, it stands out.”
He also credits Johnson’s Trucks for keeping things running smoothly. “Outstanding. Always, if I go to book it in for a service, there’s not a problem… If something’s missing, they organise it. Pretty well, 10 out of 10.”
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After five years with the 300 Series 616 Trade Ace, Foxy upgraded to the Hino 300 Series tipper
Pride in the Work
At the heart of Foxy’s Gardening and Property Maintenance is a love for the work and the people he serves. “Meeting new people and being able to do the work I need to do for people… and you keep learning, too. You never stop learning in the business,” he says.
That mindset guides how he runs his business. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned… to be honest with people… honest and reliable, and supply good service,” Lindsay explains.
He also values partnerships that help his business shine. “I have to say, fantastic really… it promotes my business. It promoted Hino. It promoted Johnson’s Truck. It promoted the people who did the sign writing for me. It helps everybody.”
With the Hino 300 Series tipper at his side, he’s ready to take on more work, streamline operations, and keep growing with confidence.