Like many young Europeans, his journey began with seasonal farm jobs, the backpacker lifestyle and constant moves. “In Italy I had done a bit of everything,” he recalls, “Warehouse work, factory jobs, painting, helping electricians.

“But here I discovered something that really captured my interest: working in gardens.”

After an initial return to Europe, Marco came back to Sydney with a new visa and found work with a landscaping company. That opportunity set him on the path he’s still on today.

“The company offered me sponsorship and the chance to stay. Six years later, I decided to open my own business.”

His company was born in 2020, just weeks before Covid disrupted everything. “Not exactly the ideal time to start, but I had already made the decision [to do it], so I pushed ahead,” he says.

“The first two years weren’t easy: too much work for one person, but not enough to hire someone else. That was the toughest stage. Then, once I was able to employ a full-time worker, everything changed.”

Five years on, his business now has three employees and a solid client base, thanks largely to word of mouth. “Ninety per cent of our work comes from client recommendations. That was crucial, especially at the start, when I had no contacts or network.”

Legnani’s work goes far beyond basic lawn mowing or maintenance. His company operates mainly in the Northern Beaches and the North Shore, in areas such as Mosman, Roseville and Palm Beach, where gardens are often an extension of a home’s value.

“We manage mid to high-end properties with close attention to detail - straight hedges, geometric shapes, green sculptures. It’s a job that requires precision and patience,” he explains.

To strengthen his skills, Marco completed a three-year course at TAFE, becoming a qualified horticulturist. “Personally, I love formal gardens, symmetrical ones where you can see the gardener’s hand,” he says, “But it always depends on the client; sometimes they prefer more natural spaces with native Australian plants.”

Beyond the technical side, Marco says there is something else that makes his work special: the outdoor lifestyle. “Every day I’m in a different place, a new context, and I get to see the city from unique perspectives,” he shares.

“I’m not stuck in a factory or office. It’s a dynamic job that keeps me connected to nature and to people.”

Over the years he has cared for a wide variety of gardens, from formal and geometric layouts to coastal spaces with palms and native shrubs. “In some cases, a well-shaped hedge is enough to change the look of a house. In others, it takes a complex project involving design, plant selection and ongoing maintenance.”

Life outside work is also about to bring new milestones. Marco lives with his Australian partner, Alison, and together they are expecting their first child. “It’s close now, just a matter of days,” he says with a smile.

This important step further consolidates his life in Australia, showing that Marco has put down deep roots not only professionally, but also personally.

His journey is not unusual: it reflects that of many Italians who arrive in Australia with few certainties and, sometimes by chance, find a brand-new path.