Landscape Gardening

What is landscape gardening? 

Landscape gardening involves the art and science of the selection and culturing of plants, and the arrangement of landscape structures using materials such as soil, wood, stone and concrete. Combinations of all of these constitute the built landscape, where additional expertise in the care and ongoing maintenance of plants is employed. 

Working in parks, garden centers, landscape companies, golf courses, and plant nurseries, landscape gardeners the world over are typically dedicated individuals who gain immense satisfaction from their work. From the planning and layout of the landscape project, through building and finally maintenance, the specialized expertise gained from experience and training is well utilized. Knowledge of botanical and common plant names, plant biology and species culture, climate zones, soils and fertility, water and nutrients, and related requirements, are very basic requirements. Materials and construction knowledge is essential to creating functional, sustainable, and safe landscapes for the enjoyment of few or many, as the case may be. 

The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group: 

HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD  

Completion of a university or college program in agronomy, arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, landscape design or landscape technology is usually required. 

Experience as a landscape and grounds maintenance labourer may be required for golf course superintendents, landscape gardeners and landscapers. 

An apprenticeship program is available for horticulturists, arboriculturists and landscape gardeners.

A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required. 

In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body is required to use the title of Professional Technologist. 

INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS  

Many remote and Indigenous communities do not have landscaping services offered. Indigenous peoples have deep connection to their lands in their natural states. This may mean that someone who wants to do this career will need to relocate in order to pursue it. 

DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS 

With this job being heavy manual labour, it may not be possible for someone with a severe physical disability. Accommodations may be necessary for someone with a learning disability. 

Landscape Gardening and the Skills for Success Program

The key Skills for Success for this career path are:

• Numeracy
• Reading 
• Creativity & Innovation

LandscapeGardening