Built From the Ground Up
in Wallaroo
T.R. Depledge Gardening & Maintenance grew from a simple idea — one young local, two grandmothers with beautiful gardens, and a determination to make something real.
After finishing secondary school, Thomas began studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the University of South Australia. Juggling full-time study in Magill while travelling from Wallaroo and working two jobs — at Drakes Supermarket and Community Kids Kadina — just to afford to continue, it was an overwhelming time.
After many conversations with his Mum, Dad, and brother, Thomas started exploring flexible business options. Gardening stood out — not only because there was local demand, but because it was something he'd always genuinely enjoyed.
A big influence came from his two grandmas, Elizabeth and Shirley. They both had beautiful gardens that Thomas helped maintain as a child — learning so much just by watching, listening, and asking questions over the years.
On 30th November 2020, I officially registered my ABN and launched T.R. Depledge Gardening. What began as a one-to-two-day-a-week job has grown into a full-time operation with staff. I never imagined it would grow so quickly.
In 2024, Thomas fully stepped away from childcare and university to focus completely on the business. Now in 2025, with five team members on board, the business maintains the Moonta Bay Lifestyle Estate — around 80 homes with another 120 to come — while supporting over 30 regular clients.
And this is only the beginning — I'm excited to see how much more we can achieve as a team, growing from that once small idea into something truly special.
The People Behind
The Work
Every member of our team is police-checked and committed to delivering quality work across the Copper Coast.
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