Becoming a Landscape Gardener
Working as a Landscape Gardener involvements many different aspects of gardening and design and there are many things that you may do on a daily basis. This could involve:
- Having an initial consultation with a client about the design of the garden, what they require and what is achievable.
- Doing the basic preparation for the garden (e.g. preparing the soil and sorting out any drainage issues).
- Using plans or drawings.
- Ordering items for the garden such as furniture or ornaments.
- Cultivating the turf and seeding if necessary.
- Planting plants and other features as required (such as water features).
After completing a project the Landscape Gardener would then advise the client on maintaining the garden or offer their ongoing services in a maintenance agreement.
You do not need any formal qualifications to work as a Gardener but to work in Landscaping most people would want to see a certain level of skill, experience and horticultural knowledge. For this reason it may be a good idea to complete a course in a related field. A BTEC in Horticulture may be useful and the British Horticultural Society also offer certificates in the subject at varying levels.
Most Landscape Gardeners work a 40 hour week and this is made up of a lot of early mornings and working in all weather conditions. The job is physically demanding as it could involve pushing a heavy wheelbarrow for a lot of the day or a lot of digging, therefore a certain level of fitness is required. A driving licence is also likely to be needed.
In terms of earnings, a Landscape Gardener can expect to earn in the region of £15 - £19,000 per annum. This may rise to around £22 - £26,000 for a senior or experienced Gardener.
Jobs are usually advertised in local newspapers or in related publications around the subject of gardening and horticulture.