Profession Highlight: Landscape Gardener

Working as a landscape gardener is a fantastic career choice for those who love nature and the great outdoors. Whether it’s working on a small garden or over the expanse of a large property, no two gardens are the same which makes every day unique – you’ll have to love getting your hands dirty!

No matter where you start, watching gardens bloom to life is one of the best rewards on the job.

What can I expect from a career as a landscape gardener?

When people think of a landscape gardener, many of us envision someone pushing around a lawnmower. However, it’s so much more than that! From dealing with clients, creating your vision, and putting in the hard work, the job can be quite demanding. Day to day tasks may vary but can include a range of tasks such as:

• Preparing plans and drawings, selecting materials and plants, and scheduling landscape construction.
• Set out and install hardscape (walls, paths, and timber features) and softscape (plants) structures.
• Construct gravel and paved areas, walls, fences, pergolas, ponds, barbeques, and garden fences.
• Preparing seed beds and growing sites.
• Planting trees, bushes, hedges, flowers, and bulbs.
• Preparing lawn areas by spreading topsoil and planting grass or laying instant turf.
• Erecting gazebos, constructing rockeries, and laying decking and patio slabs.
• Prepare areas for landscape construction.
• Maintain and repair gardening equipment.

What are some of the challenges involved in landscape gardening?

Although there are many benefits to the job, there are also challenges and obstacles to overcome. Some of these include:

Battling the elements – Without a doubt, one of the most challenging aspects landscape gardeners face is battling the elements. Especially in the Australian and New Zealand terrains, the weather can be unpredictable. Australian landscape gardener, Stewie, says “Fighting the elements is tough. You can go from dealing with the cold and the rain to the sweltering heat and everything in between.” Making sure you understand the weather conditions before you head to work is important. If it’s going to be a hot day, you’ll need to remember to pack sunscreen and extra water to keep you hydrated. If it’s cool, you’ll need to pack an extra jacket and more layers to keep you warm. The Syzmik Streetworx stretch waterproof jacket is the perfect in between layer to keep you warm and dry on those rainy days.

Difficult clients – Coming face to face with difficult clients is tough in any industry. When it comes to bringing someone’s vision to life, it can become complicated if things go wrong. “When it comes to someone’s garden and their vision, I try to stay level-headed if things become difficult, as well as moulding their expectations as much as possible,” Stewie says. Dealing with tough clients can often be a tough part of the job – sometimes even tougher than the job itself!

Need help dealing with difficult clients or contractors? Read our blog!

Physical labour – Being a landscape gardener is tough. Not only do you have to battle the elements daily, but there’s always physical labour involved. Whether it’s bending down in the garden, carrying heavy loads (such as mulch, compost, and soil), or digging holes, this trade can take a toll on your body. It’s important to ensure you’re looking after yourself if your job does involve this type of activity.

For more ideas, read our blog on looking after yourself physically and mentally as a tradie.

What skills do you need to be a landscape gardener?

Being a landscape gardener requires a lot more skill than simply digging a few holes and mowing the lawn! Some of the skills and traits you’ll require in this industry include:

• Problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of gardening techniques
• Knowledge of plant and flower care techniques
• Ability to use professional mowing, trimming, and pruning equipment
• Strong manual skills
• Precision and attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Health and physical fitness
• A basic level of flexibility
• Ability to work safely with machines and chemicals
• Free from allergies brought on by chemicals and plants

This is all in conjunction with a landscaping qualification and apprenticeship training. Having people and problem-solving skills will give you a huge advantage in any trade – especially those that are client-facing. Landscape gardeners are often required to think on their feet when a problem arises, so having those problem-solving skills is essential. For those who deal with clients, knowing how to communicate and build a rapport will boost your business credibility and encourage repeat customers and word of mouth marketing.

Tips for new landscape gardeners

When looking into a profession as a landscape gardener, it’s important to do your research. Speak to people in the industry to get an idea as to whether it’s the right profession for you, and something you’ll love doing day in day out. Stewie says, “For me, a career as a landscape gardener means I get to do what I’m passionate about. I love seeing little things change day-to-day, like leaving one afternoon when the roses are budding and finding them starting to open the next morning. Seeing these little transitions no one else gets to see is really cool.”

If you’re looking for a career in the great outdoors where no two days are the same, this might just be the perfect job for you. Stewie’s advice to those considering a career as a landscape gardener is: “Find a passion for it. If you love certain aspects of gardens, try to find a niche, and focus your energy on it. If you have a passion for something, you’ll always enjoy it. Also, surrounding yourself with like-minded people helps. And remember – you won’t always be the new kid on the block!

Building a career as a landscape gardener allows you to bring your client’s visions to life and oversee a transformation from beginning to end. Whilst it may be difficult some days battling the weather, you’re constantly rewarded by seeing some amazing acts of nature that others don’t get to witness. The range at Syzmik caters to landscape gardeners and the conditions they face. Find your closest stockist today.