BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
 
Jason Hodges Fast Eddy - Ed Halmagyi
Resident Gardener/Landscaper
Jason Hodges has been working with gardens his entire life thanks to his dad 'Monty', the builder who inspired him as a kid. He has now been involved in the industry for over 16 years and running his own business 'Green Art Gardens'
Jason's love of gardening and outdoor activities has also allowed him to expand into a media career. Most viewers would know Jason from his four year stint as the resident landscaper on the successful Channel 7 series Auction Squad, seeing him teamed with Johanna Griggs and the Auction Squad team.
Jason continues as resident gardener/landscaper joining Johanna Griggs and the team on the successful and long running number one lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens.
Jason describes his role on Better Homes and Gardens as the non gardener's gardener providing information on low maintenance plants and the easiest way to get the best results for your garden and choosing your plants. Jason also features regularly on the local Sydney program Sydney Weekender, which allows him to report and try out the latest and greatest events, restaurants and things to do around NSW.
Jason was born and raised in Sydney's leafy suburb of Willoughby. He completed Landscape Horticulture and Construction at Ryde Tafe, NSW, which he enjoyed so much, he later taught the course at the very same TAFE.
His company,Green Art Gardens, undertakes all scales of landscaping, from concept to design, construction through to maintenance in both residential and commercial properties. From garden renovations, lawn and turf establishment as well as virtually waterless irrigation systems.
As well as paving, Jason's passion continues for building fences, planting out garden beds, patch and laying brickwork- he enjoys being able to do something different every day.
He has also ventured into property as well as the renovating side of things; and is keen to expand on his knowledge of real estate.
Jason's gardening words of wisdom are also heard through regular segments on radio stations such as 2GO (Central Coast, NSW) every week.
'Fast' food presenter
As the Fast Food Presenter on Better Homes and Gardens, "Fast" Eddy Halmagyi's main desire is to show people how quick and easy it is to cook - even restaurant-style meals.
"I want to demystify restaurant food. To me, restaurants and the whole dining experience is all about entertainment. Food is a prop - designed to bring life to conversations, stories and the occasional arguments which occur around a dining table", he says.
"My segment teaches people how to cook delicious meals quickly and easily - leaving more time to spend with friends and family.
"When I was growing up, mealtimes were a pivotal and important part of our family. There were always lots of discussions...and arguments", he says.
Ed started cooking at the age of 15 where he had a weekend job as a kitchen hand in a local bistro, when the chef walked out during Sunday lunch.
"The owner told me to start cooking which I did, probably not very well but somehow we got through. After that, I was cooking in the afternoons, weekends and holidays which gave me a taste for it."
While Ed was at Sydney University studying for an Arts/Law degree he continued cooking in various bistros and trattorias. He suspended his studies in 1995 and went overseas for six months to work on a community development project in the Solomon Islands, building water catchment facilities, schools and helping medical and dental teams trek their equipment to some of the more remote regions. It was during this time that Ed realised cooking was his passion and returned to Australia to pursue his ambition.
Ed joined the team at the Bennelong Restaurant at the Sydney Opera House in the pastry section where he remained until 1997. He then worked for a number of Sydney's leading restaurants including Rockpool, Gotham, and Fuel.
In 2000 Ed and his wife Leah moved to Vancouver Island where he was the Executive Sous Chef at The Wickannish Inn, a Relais et Chateau property catering to the uberchic and super-rich. Conde Nast rates the place as one of the greatest places in the world to stay and eat.
They returned to Australia in 2002 where he took on the role of Head Chef at Nove Cucina restaurant in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Nove received special mention for best value for money in the 2004 Good Food Guide.
"I was looking for a job that would allow me to train apprentices as I felt it was time for me to start giving back to the industry."
Ed also worked as head chef at Cruise which re launched in September last year- 2005, overseeing all three levels- restaurant, bar and lounge at the Overseas Passenger Terminal- the Rocks.
He then worked at as the head chef at Beach Road restaurant in Palm Beach- one of Sydney's northern beaches suburbs for the last year where he also presented his segments for Better Homes and Gardens.

Ed is also studying a Bachelor of Business Degree.
He and his wife Leah have a three year old daughter, Luca and baby boy Finn born in October 2005.
Ed won the 2005 Ladle for the Best Television Food and/or Drink Show (Short Form) category at the World Food Media Awards last year.

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