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Landscape Gardener

Other names for this job

• Gardener
• Grounds Worker

What do landscape gardeners do?

Landscape gardeners work on gardens and yards. They make plans for gardens. They work outdoors. Their work is usually seasonal. For example, they usually work in spring, summer and fall. They may work inside greenhouses in winter.

What is a landscape gardener’s work like?

Tom works outdoors most of the time. He works at different places. For example, houses, office buildings, golf courses and parks.

Sometimes Tom works inside a greenhouse or at a nursery. A greenhouse is for growing plants. It is made of glass. A nursery is a farm that grows outdoor plants for the garden.

Tom often works on his own.

Tom works long hours in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, he works inside a greenhouse.

Tom stands, bends and kneels at work. He moves things that weigh over 20 kilograms (over 45 pounds).

Tom uses sprays to kill insects. These sprays are very strong. Tom wears a face mask while he sprays.

Do you want to be a landscape gardener?

• You need to be strong and healthy.
• You need to be able to work in good and bad weather.
• You must work well with customers.
• You need to be creative. For example, Tom has many ideas about gardens and plants. He thinks about colours and shapes.

What education do landscape gardeners need?

• Landscape gardeners often start as general garden workers. Garden workers don’t have special training. They get instructions from landscape gardeners.
• Landscape gardeners don’t need a high school diploma.
• Some people take courses. They may get a certificate in landscaping.
• Landscape gardeners can take an apprenticeship. They learn on the job and take courses at a post-secondary school. After 4 years, they become journeyperson landscape gardeners.

What can landscape gardeners do in the future?

Landscape gardeners can work in many places. They may work with landscape architects or construction companies. They often work in greenhouses, parks, garden centres, and on tree farms. They may work for cemeteries, golf courses or landscape architects. Landscape architects are people who design gardens.

Some landscape gardeners may become supervisors or head gardeners.

Some landscape gardeners start their own business.

How much does a landscape gardener make?

Do you want more information?

Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.

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