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Landscape Gardener

Landscape gardeners develop, maintain and remodel gardens and landscapes. They may also help to design garden layouts.

 

Tasks & duties

Landscape gardeners, designers and contractors may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss and develop the design with the client
  • read and interpret plans and discuss design concepts with the landscape architect
  • do basic planning and design work
  • calculate construction costs such as labour and materials
  • select seeds, bulbs and plants
  • construct decking, fencing, walls and courtyards, and lay down paving
  • prepare the soil and lay turf
  • prepare planting plans and plant gardens
  • offer advice on garden maintenance
  • maintain gardens and lawns
  • install garden lighting, irrigation and ornaments
  • work on indoor gardens

 

Specialisations

Landscape gardeners may specialise in:

  • garden design
  • hard landscaping (construction) including further specialities in turf, paving, concreting, lighting or waterfeatures
  • soft landscaping (landscape gardening)
  • garden maintenance

 

Skills & knowledge

Landscape gardeners need to have:

  • good horticultural skills
  • knowledge of different plants and their required growing conditions
  • the ability to interpret and follow plans and drawings
  • knowledge of construction methods and materials
  • knowledge of design regulations, permits and plans
  • knowledge of drainage, plumbing, carpentry, and tiling or bricklaying
  • good communication skills
  • creative ability
  • organisational skills
  • skills in making calculations

Business skills are useful for landscape gardeners who run their own business.

 

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a landscape gardener, but horticultural or gardening experience is useful. A driver's licence is also preferred by most employers.

You can train on the job and complete an apprenticeship through the Horticulture Industry Training Organisation (NZHITO). This is only available through approved employers. 

 

Secondary education

Three years' of secondary education is preferred. Useful subjects include English, maths, horticulture, biology and workshop technology.

 

Tertiary education

A tertiary qualification in horticulture, gardening or landscaping, or a qualification in tiling or building is useful.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job, and landscape gardeners may study part-time to gain qualifications.

Certificates for spraying specified pesticides and other agrichemicals

  • You need A GROWSAFE ® certificate, or similar qualification, for spraying.
  • An Approved Handler certificate is necessary for handling some pesticides, and supervising other workers who are spraying.
  • If you are spraying for work on other people's property you need to have a Registered Chemical Applicator certificate.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for landscape gardeners includes that gained in the building or horticulture industries, such as gardening, carpentry or bricklaying. Any work involving physical labour is also useful.

 

Related courses

Horticulture
Landscape Architecture

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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