Gardeners ensure that gardens, lawns, shrubs and trees are healthy, well maintained and attractively designed. The main aim of a garden is to create a peaceful mood, a positive first impression and to increase the property value.
Gardener work mainly outside and are responsible for the establishment, maintenance and decoration of gardens and parks. Their tasks include: clearing areas for planting; ploughing or digging beds; planting of seedlings; watering seedlings and older plants regularly; pulling out weeds; applying weed killer, fertilizer, soil nutrients and pesticides; mowing of lawns; pruning, trimming and edging.
They may apply mulch for the protection of plants or build retaining walls, install patios and terraced hillsides. They need to know about soils, pests and plant disease control.
Satisfying Aspects
- working outdoors in beautiful gardens
- working with nature
- providing a service and bringing pleasure to others
- variety of work
Demanding aspects
- working in adverse weather conditions
- the physical work can be tiring
- pressure to finish certain jobs on time
Requirements
A gardener should:
- love plants;
- have good health and physical strength;
- be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather;
- be prepared to get dirty;
- be reliable, hard-working and honest;
- be able to operate machines such as lawnmowers and brush cutters.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Gardeners mainly undergo in-service training. The foreman plays an important role in the training of new gardeners. Agricultural colleges (such as Kromme Rhee in Stellenbosch) present courses to those who want to improve their qualifications in this field. Courses such as pruning of trees and multiplying of plants are also available in colleges.
Persons who have at least a Grade 10 pass and the aptitude can also obtain a horticultural certificate and later a diploma at universities of technology, eg Horticulture can be studied at CPUT, DUT and UNISA.
Gardeners often receive in-service training from their employers to meet specific requirements.
The Botanical Gardens sometimes hold informal workshops on garden maintenance and the cultivation of indigenous plants.
Employer
- Private home owners
- Schools
- Shopping malls and office blocks with gardens
- Municipalities
- Botanical gardens
- Garden-service undertakings
- Large institutions