Landscape gardeners do the physical work of constructing a garden. Their work will involve soil shaping and preparation, planting plants, and a host of other tasks that may vary from job to job. These other tasks may include such things as:
- Laying Drainage
- Installing irrigation systems
- Paving
- Building Walls, Fences, Pergolas, Decks, Sheds, or any other structures
- Constructing water features
- Installing seats, tables, BBQ’s, Statues, etc.
Opportunities
Many landscape gardeners work for a small business with only 2-5 employees, either as the owner or one of a small number of employees.
Some find permanent employment in a larger organization (eg. a government parks department, large estate, or large building company).
Whilst some workplaces do offer a career structure with opportunities for advancement, most workplaces are unlikely to offer opportunities to be promoted to higher and higher positions, Landscape gardeners more commonly would learn their skills initially in a small organization, and them advance by moving on to either running their own business, or becoming a supervisor in a larger organization.
Who Employs Landscape Gardeners
-Most are self employed
-Project Managers
-Others are employed by Local Government Parks Departments, Large Estates (eg. Historic Properties such as the National Trust in the UK; Roads Departments, National Parks Authorities; Major Resorts, Large Property Development Companies, Zoos, etc.)
How to Distinguish Yourself from the Competition.
Most landscape managers value a sound knowledge of soils and plants, so a solid training in the fundamentals of horticulture and in particular plant identification will be a first step toward differentiating yourself from the landscapers labourer.
Beyond this certain skills are in demand with certain types of employers
The ability to construct from either wood or masonry (and preferably both), is a skill that is always in demand. Carpenters or at least people trained in woodwork to some degree will have an advantage in this industry.
Landscape gardeners need to understand tools and machinery and how to use them. They need to understand different types of materials as well.
Some landscape gardeners find their niche by offering specialist services (eg. Brick paving, building decks, water gardens, Rock wall construction etc). With a specialist skill and a sound reputation, you may forge a successful career as a sub contractor working for other landscapers, creating those components of their gardens which you do well.
Industry Bodies
Joining an industry body is not usually essential; but it can more often than not be beneficial to a career or a small business.
Professional institutes and Trade associations are useful to join, for:
- Networking with other professionals
- Staying up to date
- PR/ Marketing Advantages
Remuneration
Remuneration can vary from place to place and time to time.
Some landscape gardeners earn well above the average wage; and some well below.
Often landscape gardeners earn a very basic rate of pay, and not much more than a labourer, when working in a large organization or government department. Even self employed landscapers at times may not earn a particularly high income.
Industry organizations may set recommended rates of pay; but frequently adherence to those rates may not necessarily be controlled (depends on the country).
Good landscapers are however prized and people in wealthier countries will pay top money for the best work.
Career Risks & Stresses
Every job has certain risks associated with it.
Landscape gardeners face all the same risks as any other businessman when self employed.
Even when working for someone else; the job is a physical one and an outdoor job; and those facts bring with them a risk of injury or health problems that some other jobs might not have.
Insurance
Investigate Professional Indemnity Insurance and any other necessary insurances. The situation does vary from country to country (and time to time), but the issue of insurance should not be neglected.
Legal Issues
Again this can vary from one jurisdiction to another eg. You may be legally responsible for accidents or damage that occur as a result of work you are undertaking
Recommended Courses
A good starting point is a foundation such as:
Certificate in Landscape Gardening
- Horticulture I
- Landscaping I
- Landscape Construction
- Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens
- Machinery and Equipment
- Plant Selection & Establishment