It is no secret that many of us are not fond of our jobs. But with times tough as they are, many of us are given in to the newly-coined phenomenon of ‘resenteeism’ – that is, remaining in a terrible job for purely financial reasons. The green often seems greener in these scenarios, but when it comes to working outdoors the grass is demonstrably greener.
Whether you enjoy gardening and spending time outdoor, or simply find yourself gazing out of your office window at the public park opposite dreaming of a different life, there may well be room for you in the world of landscaping. But what exactly can you expect from such a role, and how might you start working within the field? What is the growth within this profession?
So, what is Landscaping?
Before we begin, it might be helpful to define exactly what it is that a landscaper does on a day-to-day basis. From the outside, gardening and outdoor maintenance roles can all look somewhat similar, but there are some major differences to contend with – and a number of diverse ways in which you can specialise within the field of landscaping itself.
Generally, landscaping describes the management and maintenance of outdoor spaces. This might be overhauling a domestic garden or assisting the council in renovating a patch of public park-land. Landscapers are hands-on workers, but distinct from horticulturalists and tree surgeons – who are each specialist in flora. Additionally, landscaper need to be able to arrange various elements, such as plants, trees, patios, pounds, fountains thoughtfully.
Essential Skills
Becoming a landscaper does not require much in the way of academic skill, unless you have aspirations of becoming a landscape architect – in which case, architectural qualifications are a must, as is prior experience in construction. As long as you can put the hours in, put the energy in, be creative and take pride in your work, you’ll find the role rewarding. It is also essential to have a deep passion of horticulture, such as understanding the different plant species, their growth patterns, and ideal environmental conditions for them to grow. Lastly, a landscaper must be creative and be able to envision aesthetically pleasing compositions thanks to colours, textures of each tree, flower or plant.
Tools, Equipment and Materials
If starting out as a landscaper in a freelance capacity, you will need to think carefully about investment in not only the right tools, but also the right materials. You will need dependable power tools for shaving down large hedges and dabbling in tree surgery, such as trimmers, strimmers and chainsaws. You will also need to build positive relationships with construction suppliers, in order to get reliable supply of paving slabs and other common garden materials. You will also need a good supply of hand tools, such as pruners, shears, hand saws, and trowels, as well as the correct PPE to protect yourself against any risk of accidents. This includes gardening gloves, protective glasses, and sturdy clothing.
Professional Growth
While landscaping is largely a hands-on role suited to self-starters and vocational entrepreneurs, there are still ample opportunities for professional growth. Joining the British Association of Landscape Industries is a good start, and can also put you in touch with other skilled practitioners in the field – allowing you to expand your network, find new roles and even pick up some new skills along the way. You could also look into going back to university and becoming a landscape architect, you’ll need to get the correct qualifications and certifications to embark on this career path.
