Careers in Horticulture, Garden Design and Landscaping
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I. Love gardening
Posted: Friday 28th of July 2023 01:38 AM Last reply: Saturday 5th of October 2024 03:40 PM
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Fellow designers and business owners,
Have you ever thought, "There must be a better way to do this!?!" Could you use some time-tested strategies to make your design practice work for you, so you have more time and energy to build your business, to enjoy the things you love, and to have more creativity for your clients?
Foundations of a Garden Design Business is a course that is structured to present relevant and curated business information specific for landscape designers.
I have operated a design build company for over 10 years. Take a peek at my work here: gardensbymardi.com Drawing on my experience as a designer, I have also been providing business coaching to emerging professionals, and this has evolved into an online business course: Foundations of a Garden Design Business which I offered for the first time this spring. This course is a roadmap for starting, growing, and maintaining a successful landscape design business.
A new cohort will start on July 25, and you can see the details at my course website: mardidover.com It is a live 8 week interactive class covering topics around setting up your business, creating systems, schedules and tracking work, client and contractor relationships, making space for creativity, and more.
This class could benefit:
-Students and recent graduates of design program
-Emerging professionals
-Garden and landscape designers
-Landscape architects
-Design-build professionals
-Designers who are ready to launch their own firm
The weekly class offers plenty of interaction, as creating a sense of community and support that is as important as the content covered. (This connection to other business owners was something I really missed when I was starting out! ) The course is offered at 2 pm Eastern, so those in many time zones might attend.
I am attaching a document that contains an overview of the course, as well as info on the membership called Community Exchange. Reach out with questions: mardi@mardidover.com
Posted: Monday 24th of July 2023 04:48 PM Last reply: Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 12:07 PM
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Hi Jo, I tried to email you but the email address wasn't recognised. Dave Hodson
Posted: Tuesday 29th of November 2022 03:48 PM
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Hi Dave- sorry for tardy response, my son has scarlet fever and it's been a crazy few days! This sounds great! Perhaps we could schedule a call in the next week. Please email me at marymarygardener.com and we'll organise a date. Thank you Jo
Posted: Monday 28th of November 2022 08:55 AM
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Hi Jo, wondered if I could help you with this. I'm a Shoot member and use Sketchup to design. Also a SGD (Friend) and APL (Designer) member. Trained at Pickard school of Garden Design. davehodsongardens.co.uk .Best wishes Dave
Posted: Thursday 24th of November 2022 12:27 PM
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Hi! Can you help?
During the pandemic and over the last year I have been offering online garden designs by marketing them on social media. It has been very successful and extremely rewarding, so much so that I am slightly overwhelmed and would really love to collaborate with another couple of designers using Shoot to help create 'concept designs' based on the client's brief, measurements, photos and videos sent by the client.
We would communicate via Zoom and would need to work to an agreed timeline.
This could be a great opportunity for a garden design student looking for relevant work experience. There are likely to be at least two concept designs per month.
Alternatively, it might just be some top-up work for an experienced designer.
Please get in touch if you are interested and we can arrange a call.
Many thanks,
Jo
During the pandemic and over the last year I have been offering online garden designs by marketing them on social media. It has been very successful and extremely rewarding, so much so that I am slightly overwhelmed and would really love to collaborate with another couple of designers using Shoot to help create 'concept designs' based on the client's brief, measurements, photos and videos sent by the client.
We would communicate via Zoom and would need to work to an agreed timeline.
This could be a great opportunity for a garden design student looking for relevant work experience. There are likely to be at least two concept designs per month.
Alternatively, it might just be some top-up work for an experienced designer.
Please get in touch if you are interested and we can arrange a call.
Many thanks,
Jo
Posted: Tuesday 22nd of November 2022 06:48 PM Last reply: Tuesday 28th of January 2025 04:24 PM
Re: Nursery owner honoured by fellowship
jm0928912
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good. need to visit
Posted: Thursday 15th of July 2021 02:55 PM
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Working outdoors with the fresh air and being closer to nature is good for your health and mind.
Winter is a real bummer though so you have to make as the sun shines as they say.
It can be a very rewarding career but also hard work at times.
John
Winter is a real bummer though so you have to make as the sun shines as they say.
It can be a very rewarding career but also hard work at times.
John
Posted: Thursday 30th of April 2020 11:39 AM
Nursery owner honoured by fellowship
Shoot User
1467 1
I don't know if anyone else has ever visited Larch Cottage Nurseries in Cumbria but I see on their facebook thatthe owner, Peter Stott, has just been awarded an honorary fellowship from the Uni of Cumbria for his achievements in horticulture and landscaping, it's great to hear that people in this business are being recognised for all their hard work! If you've never been to Larch Cottage it's well worth a visit, beautiful place with an art gallery and restaurant, you won't find anywhere else like it!
Posted: Saturday 8th of August 2015 07:26 AM Last reply: Friday 28th of February 2025 01:46 AM
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Understanding the value a design adds is the key to the problem here. All too often designers do not value what they bring to the party. If, as the designer, we don't value our input, why is the client going to? Designers can make a good living on a fee only basis but it can be a challenge if, first and foremost, we don't understand the importance of a well crafted design and the value it brings.
Ultimately, someone has to sit down and scratch their head about what they are going to do with even the simplest garden. Try painting a picture for your prospective client, when you are in the initial pitch meeting, of a scenario where there was no designer involved......be as specific as you can. e.g.who picks the paving, what pattern is it being laid in, what type of pointing, how is the fence constructed, who picks the panels?
Two things will happen, either they or you will realise the project is too small to warrant a formal design or you'll get a higher fee as you have fully justified your position. In the former where a simple sketch is required e.g. projects
Ultimately, someone has to sit down and scratch their head about what they are going to do with even the simplest garden. Try painting a picture for your prospective client, when you are in the initial pitch meeting, of a scenario where there was no designer involved......be as specific as you can. e.g.who picks the paving, what pattern is it being laid in, what type of pointing, how is the fence constructed, who picks the panels?
Two things will happen, either they or you will realise the project is too small to warrant a formal design or you'll get a higher fee as you have fully justified your position. In the former where a simple sketch is required e.g. projects
Posted: Sunday 7th of September 2014 09:34 PM
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Continued:
Do you send the invitation email to my client?
No we don't send an email to your client. Please send an email invitation to your client to join Shoot. We give you suggested text for the email once you have successfully transferred a garden. Please ensure they register using the same email you used for the transfer.
Can I save a copy of the client garden for my own purposes?
Yes, please remember to tick the box to save a copy at the time of sending a client garden.
I am having issues using the Shoot Plant ID list in Landmark software. Can you help?
No please contact Vectorworks or Training by Design.
Do you send the invitation email to my client?
No we don't send an email to your client. Please send an email invitation to your client to join Shoot. We give you suggested text for the email once you have successfully transferred a garden. Please ensure they register using the same email you used for the transfer.
Can I save a copy of the client garden for my own purposes?
Yes, please remember to tick the box to save a copy at the time of sending a client garden.
I am having issues using the Shoot Plant ID list in Landmark software. Can you help?
No please contact Vectorworks or Training by Design.
Posted: Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 01:45 PM
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Hi all, we are putting together a page for garden designers and landscapers who use our Pro service (to read more click here).
Are we missing any common questions?
How do I create a client garden account?
1) Create a new garden
2) Give it a name such as 'Mrs Smith's garden'
3) Find and add the plants in Mrs Smith garden to her plant list.
4) You can then customise Mrs Smith's garden by adding notes, photos, and sorting plants into groups
How can I add plants?
There are three ways you can add plants to a client garden
1) Plant by plant. Find each plant using our search or A-Z lists and click 'ADD' button
2) Upload a long list all in one go using a .csv file. Look for 'Import Plant list' and follow the instructions. You can also import groups and notes at the same time
3) If you use Vectorworks Landmark 2013 you can use the Shoot Plant IDs directly when designing a client garden. Then just export the client plant list and import into Shoot.
How do I send a client garden to a client?
1. Find the garden
2. Click the SEND link
3. Add in client's name and email address
4. Tick box to save a copy for you
5. Then you need to email the client asking them to join Shoot using the same email you used to register them. We do not send an email for you but give you suggested text to use once you have completed the transfer.
6. When they register using the same email address their garden from you will be there.
Can I edit a client plant list after it is sent?
Currently not unless your client gives you their login details to Shoot. In the future we are looking at different PRO subscription which would give shared access along with each of your clients
Are we missing any common questions?
How do I create a client garden account?
1) Create a new garden
2) Give it a name such as 'Mrs Smith's garden'
3) Find and add the plants in Mrs Smith garden to her plant list.
4) You can then customise Mrs Smith's garden by adding notes, photos, and sorting plants into groups
How can I add plants?
There are three ways you can add plants to a client garden
1) Plant by plant. Find each plant using our search or A-Z lists and click 'ADD' button
2) Upload a long list all in one go using a .csv file. Look for 'Import Plant list' and follow the instructions. You can also import groups and notes at the same time
3) If you use Vectorworks Landmark 2013 you can use the Shoot Plant IDs directly when designing a client garden. Then just export the client plant list and import into Shoot.
How do I send a client garden to a client?
1. Find the garden
2. Click the SEND link
3. Add in client's name and email address
4. Tick box to save a copy for you
5. Then you need to email the client asking them to join Shoot using the same email you used to register them. We do not send an email for you but give you suggested text to use once you have completed the transfer.
6. When they register using the same email address their garden from you will be there.
Can I edit a client plant list after it is sent?
Currently not unless your client gives you their login details to Shoot. In the future we are looking at different PRO subscription which would give shared access along with each of your clients
Posted: Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 01:43 PM Last reply: Friday 28th of February 2025 11:45 PM
Professional Gardeners' Trust
Anna Matthews
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The Professional Gardeners' Trust provides gardeners with the opportunity to acquire skills and gain qualifications through part time courses and work placements. This enhances their career and benefits the horticulture professional as a whole
Visit pgtrust.org to find out more and apply
Visit pgtrust.org to find out more and apply
Posted: Wednesday 15th of January 2014 08:31 AM Last reply: Friday 28th of February 2025 11:21 PM
Re: Careers in Garden Design
Alexia at Blooming Marvellous Plants
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I agree that it's easy to underestimate your own value when you so love what you do. I run a nursery and I'm guilty too, but oh so happy!
Posted: Thursday 2nd of January 2014 09:14 PM
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oh - just seen that Sue had already mentioned this one. The Institute of Horticulture used to produce the information on their growcareers website as a booklet. Maybe they still do - I'll check it out.
Posted: Tuesday 10th of December 2013 01:17 PM
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Found this
http://www.growcareers.info/
http://www.growcareers.info/
Posted: Tuesday 10th of December 2013 01:15 PM
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It's vital to structure a design fee into any estimate or quotation for a garden design and build job. After all, no-one would expect an architect to go unpaid for a house build project. I've recently provided a garden design as part of a package to gain planning permission for a new house and have charged for my time even though the garden cannot be built if permission isn't given. I'm sure that the architect has also charged a fee for their work.
Although most people working in horticulture and garden design do so because they enjoy it, it doesn't mean that we should do it for free (those in football, music, TV and films charge plenty!).
Please don't undervalue what you do by not charging for your time and expertise.
Although most people working in horticulture and garden design do so because they enjoy it, it doesn't mean that we should do it for free (those in football, music, TV and films charge plenty!).
Please don't undervalue what you do by not charging for your time and expertise.
Posted: Tuesday 26th of November 2013 09:17 PM
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I find that having a career in garden design very challenging. I have an engineering job that I still continue to work in parttime so that I can work in garden design and construct gardens. Although I do charge for garden designs (after building up a significant portfolio), I can't take a salary as I prioritise paying my staff (construction crew). We are quite a successful company (6 years) and we still cannot manage to pay a salary for a garden designer. This is the sad state of this industry - luckily I know designers that do it for the love of it like I do - but many people can not enter an industry where there is not enough pay to live off of.... What to do?!
Posted: Wednesday 20th of November 2013 06:04 PM Last reply: Monday 3rd of March 2025 07:43 AM
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Hi Nicola,
Horticulture Week used to produce a Careers Supplement each year, which had this type of information for some keys areas in horticulture. But the problems is keeping the information up to date - particularly on wages. The best general information around at the moment for young people is at http://www.growcareers.info/ .But people need to be aware that opportunities (and wages) in horticulture vary greatly depending on your location; those who want to pursue a particular branch of work may need to be prepared to travel for work and/or placements and training. But wherever you are there is work available - the National Trust have recently been recruiting for a gardener based in Manchester city centre! There is no set formula for working in our sector - I would advise anyone to get out there and start volunteering NOW and through that you'll find out about what paid work and training is available, and what you like doing.
Hope that helps,
Sue
Horticulture Week used to produce a Careers Supplement each year, which had this type of information for some keys areas in horticulture. But the problems is keeping the information up to date - particularly on wages. The best general information around at the moment for young people is at http://www.growcareers.info/ .But people need to be aware that opportunities (and wages) in horticulture vary greatly depending on your location; those who want to pursue a particular branch of work may need to be prepared to travel for work and/or placements and training. But wherever you are there is work available - the National Trust have recently been recruiting for a gardener based in Manchester city centre! There is no set formula for working in our sector - I would advise anyone to get out there and start volunteering NOW and through that you'll find out about what paid work and training is available, and what you like doing.
Hope that helps,
Sue
Posted: Sunday 3rd of November 2013 03:44 PM
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What I think would really help young people thinking about a career in the world of gardening, growing and horticulture is a simple list of all the job options.
And then beside each job option - a description of the job, an overview of the educational requirements (degree and years of study), the average starting salary and the average salary once experienced.
Does that list exist anywhere?
Thanks
Nicola
And then beside each job option - a description of the job, an overview of the educational requirements (degree and years of study), the average starting salary and the average salary once experienced.
Does that list exist anywhere?
Thanks
Nicola
Posted: Thursday 31st of October 2013 12:02 PM Last reply: Friday 28th of February 2025 11:29 PM
Re: How 8 years can change you...
Alexia at Blooming Marvellous Plants
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Josh, that's fantastic. Congratulations on your great degree and on choosing such a rewarding career. I came to my career in horticulture late, at the age of 40, and wish I'd done so earlier. But now, ten years on, I love every day and hope the same is true for you.
Best of luck with your career.
Kind regards,
Alexia
Blooming Marvellous Plants
Best of luck with your career.
Kind regards,
Alexia
Blooming Marvellous Plants
Posted: Monday 28th of October 2013 11:09 PM
Grow a career in horticulture (part 2)
Shoot User
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Horticultural retail is a fairly fast-paced environment; after a lull over the coldest part of winter there is usually an explosive increase in trade during spring, especially around Easter. You go from standing almost still to running at full speed in a matter of days. Every customer is different, and no two enquiries are the same. Customers expect a very high standard of service; they might need a plant identified (regardless of whether or not you sell it), advice about a pest problem, or inspiration and guidance about what to buy. Even the most skilled and accomplished gardener will find themselves tested daily in horticultural retail. You can also be creative in the retail environment, creating eye catching displays of plants to entice customers to buy, ordering a range of plants that will excite anyone who sees them, as well as being creative with colours and textures when advising customers. Add to the mix that your plants also need to be cared for; pruning, training, watering, feeding... these all need to be done to keep sales stock in tip-top condition.
Working in retail and production horticulture requires passion. You will know as a customer that a member of staff who is clearly not interested will not inspire you to buy their plants! I've been to a few retailers where the staff have horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm that runs as far as “it's a bush. £10”, and I've never bought from any of them. Knowledge of the subject and passion for it will stand you well, and there is room to carve out your perfect career. I wanted to finish this piece with a list of skills that you will need (or pick up) in horticulture, but to be honest the list would be too long. If you've got what it takes just throw yourself in, you're in for great adventure!
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius
Working in retail and production horticulture requires passion. You will know as a customer that a member of staff who is clearly not interested will not inspire you to buy their plants! I've been to a few retailers where the staff have horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm that runs as far as “it's a bush. £10”, and I've never bought from any of them. Knowledge of the subject and passion for it will stand you well, and there is room to carve out your perfect career. I wanted to finish this piece with a list of skills that you will need (or pick up) in horticulture, but to be honest the list would be too long. If you've got what it takes just throw yourself in, you're in for great adventure!
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." - Confucius
Posted: Sunday 27th of October 2013 04:26 PM Last reply: Friday 28th of February 2025 11:31 PM
Grow a career in horticulture (part 1)
Shoot User
755 0
I could easily say that a career in production/retail horticulture is not for the faint hearted, but that might put you off a fun and challenging career. I work in a production and retail nursery at the moment, but previously I worked for a garden centre in Cheshire. There's never a dull day, but with the wide range of businesses out there I'll split production and retail down to make things clearer.
A production nursery is, on the surface, an easy thing to describe; it's a nursery that produces plants. Some nurseries produce starter plants (9 cm plants known in the trade as 'liners', although the pot sizes vary, and let's not forget plug plant producers) to be grown on by other nurseries, others propagate all their own plants and then grow them right up to a size where they are sold to the public, while others buy 'liners' and grow them on to a saleable size. There are almost innumerable variations to these nurseries; where I work we grow a lot of plants from 'liners' produced in France, Holland and the UK, but we also propagate many plants ourselves, as well as buying from wholesalers- a complicated business model to follow! We grow an extraordinary range of trees, shrubs, perennials and indoor plants ourselves, and as such we, the production team, face many challenges to grow each plant to perfection. Add the challenges of peat free composts and we are always busy! Each member of the production team is tested each day with pests and diseases, decisions to do with pruning and maintenance, feeding, watering and of course the universally applicable weeding. The secret to growing a good plant commercially is that you must be passionate about what you do and able to think on your feet. Although the plants themselves may seem to grow slowly you can't afford to delay important decisions!
Continued in Part 2
A production nursery is, on the surface, an easy thing to describe; it's a nursery that produces plants. Some nurseries produce starter plants (9 cm plants known in the trade as 'liners', although the pot sizes vary, and let's not forget plug plant producers) to be grown on by other nurseries, others propagate all their own plants and then grow them right up to a size where they are sold to the public, while others buy 'liners' and grow them on to a saleable size. There are almost innumerable variations to these nurseries; where I work we grow a lot of plants from 'liners' produced in France, Holland and the UK, but we also propagate many plants ourselves, as well as buying from wholesalers- a complicated business model to follow! We grow an extraordinary range of trees, shrubs, perennials and indoor plants ourselves, and as such we, the production team, face many challenges to grow each plant to perfection. Add the challenges of peat free composts and we are always busy! Each member of the production team is tested each day with pests and diseases, decisions to do with pruning and maintenance, feeding, watering and of course the universally applicable weeding. The secret to growing a good plant commercially is that you must be passionate about what you do and able to think on your feet. Although the plants themselves may seem to grow slowly you can't afford to delay important decisions!
Continued in Part 2
Posted: Sunday 27th of October 2013 04:25 PM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 12:04 AM
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Many thanks for the suggestion! I'll send your suggestion to the RHS and see what they have to say. To get us started, can you forward the link to anyone you still know? A personal introduction is always so much nicer than a person you don't know contacting you. Perhaps you still are in contact with some?
Kind regards
Nicola
p.s are you on Twitter? What is your twitter address?
Kind regards
Nicola
p.s are you on Twitter? What is your twitter address?
Posted: Friday 25th of October 2013 07:50 AM Last reply: Friday 25th of October 2013 10:58 AM
Re: Reason for this forum
Jane Davis
645 1
Nicola
I taught RHS exams at a community college for a few years. I'm sure there are many out there who did that a lot longer than I did. Perhaps the RHS could let Shoot know where its courses are currently being taught and maybe Shoot could contact those colleges and ask for feedback from teachers and students. I personally taught one woman who was a postlady. After finishing her exam course and getting a distinction she started gardening for other people. She currently lives in France and has continued as a gardener there. Another student went on to study Garden Design and made a career of that. Yet another met a famous garden designer while on holiday, gave the designer the use of her polytunnel to get plants ready for Chelsea and ended up helping out during the building of the Chelsea garden. And so on........Just talking with people at colleges or at the RHS gardens would give so many stories - these could be published on Shoot..............then posted on the social networks...........
I taught RHS exams at a community college for a few years. I'm sure there are many out there who did that a lot longer than I did. Perhaps the RHS could let Shoot know where its courses are currently being taught and maybe Shoot could contact those colleges and ask for feedback from teachers and students. I personally taught one woman who was a postlady. After finishing her exam course and getting a distinction she started gardening for other people. She currently lives in France and has continued as a gardener there. Another student went on to study Garden Design and made a career of that. Yet another met a famous garden designer while on holiday, gave the designer the use of her polytunnel to get plants ready for Chelsea and ended up helping out during the building of the Chelsea garden. And so on........Just talking with people at colleges or at the RHS gardens would give so many stories - these could be published on Shoot..............then posted on the social networks...........
Posted: Thursday 24th of October 2013 11:27 PM