Hiring a Gardener
A gardener is an expert in creating and maintaining an environment for the plants to thrive. Gardeners attend to the upkeep of the grounds under their care. They work in private and public landscapes to maintain and manage the gardens. They work with annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs. Usually, they hold job titles such as greenhouse worker or nursery worker. A gardener generally works under the direct employment of a facility with large scale landscaping resources and needs. They may be employed by estate and homeowners, botanical gardens, parks, and garden centers. Some gardeners work as licensed contractors and serve multiple clients. Gardeners make an average annual salary of $37,500 with a $55,000 upper range depending on their position and job role. Professional gardeners with relevant experience and certifications can advance their careers and move to supervisory roles. Others with a degree in horticulture can even open their own business as a gardener, providing consultation services to residential and commercial clients.
Responsibilities of a Gardener
Gardeners work outdoors, usually from spring to late fall; in warmer environments, they are employable all year round. These professionals have specific duties and responsibilities which may vary based on the employer and project requirements. An essential part of the job role includes regular mowing, setting up proper watering schedules, fertilizing, trimming, and weed care. The gardeners must know when to plant and what temperatures and conditions are favorable for the plant to survive. Therefore these workers must maintain garden health and harvest plants when the time is right. They are in charge of pruning and removing dead plants, using it as compost with other materials for a later time. Gardeners are required to assess environmental difficulties, treating plants proactively as and when necessary. During appropriate seasons, they work on tasks such as adding mulch, removing leaves, and arranging new planting. Essentially, the gardener should make recommendations to the supervisor and clients for enhancing and improving the design as they deem fit. Some gardeners work for landscape designers and are expected to follow their guidelines when trimming and maintaining the plants. Experienced gardeners are also in charge of overseeing other garden laborers.
Requirements of a Gardener
Many employers look for prior landscape and floral care experience when hiring a gardener. Candidates applying for entry-level positions do not require any formal education but are given on-the-job training by supervisors. The ideal candidate must be willing to learn the duties of the job and show enthusiasm in order to succeed. They must be proficient with the various tools of the trade like mowers, power trimmers, weed-pullers, and others. The candidate must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions and comfortable with physically strenuous labor. They must be aware of the necessary safety protocols when working with the tools or with pesticides. It is also essential that hired candidates follow directions to get the work done in a timely and efficient manner.
