Gardener Career Description
Gardeners mainly work outside where they are responsible for the maintenance, establishing and decoration of gardens and parks.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
As part of their tasks gardeners have to clear up and remove leaves, weeds, dead plants and litter. They also have to plant or sow new seeds. The controlling of plant diseases and pests through the use of pesticides is also part of the gardener's job. Gardeners care for the plants by fulfilling all their needs and requirements. Machine operating is also part of the job, e.g. lawnmowers, brush cutters etc.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Persons who want to become gardeners must love plants and outdoor life and must be willing to work outside most of the time. The work is sometimes very tiring and therefore they must be strong and have good health. It is important that gardeners enjoy working with people because some of their tasks will be done in co-operation with other people. Especially in the Botanical and other public gardens where they are exposed to the public's questions at all times.
Where can I work?
Gardeners are employed by municipalities, commercial nurseries, botanical gardens, garden-service undertakings and house owners, universities and large institutions etc.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Persons that have enough experience can start their own businesses and provide garden services on a contract basis. Persons can also start growing plants in their back yards and later develop it into a commercial nursery.
A very important and underplayed aspect of gardening is the growing and selling of medicinal plants. This takes off the pressure from nature, which has a limited supply of plants.
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