Horticulturist

What is a horticulturist?

A horticulturist is someone who works with plants, studying and caring for them to create and maintain beautiful gardens, parks, and landscapes.

What does a horticulturist do?

Usually, a horticulturist does the following:

• Plans and designs gardens and landscapes
• Chooses and plants different types of flowers, trees, and shrubs
• Maintains and cares for plants, including watering, pruning, and fertilizing
• Monitors and controls pests and diseases in plants
• Provides advice and guidance to clients on plant care and garden maintenance

What does the day-to-day life of a horticulturist look like?

A horticulturist usually works between 9am and 5pm, although the hours may vary depending on the season and the specific job. Some tasks they might do include:

• Planting new flowers and trees
• Pruning and shaping plants
• Applying fertilizers and pesticides
• Watering and maintaining irrigation systems
• Conducting soil tests and analyzing results
• Meeting with clients to discuss their garden or landscape needs

Where does a horticulturist work?

Horticulturists can work in various settings, including:

• Public parks and gardens
• Private gardens and estates
• Landscaping companies
• Nurseries and garden centers
• Universities or research institutions

You can find horticulturist jobs throughout the United Kingdom, but there may be more opportunities in areas with larger parks and gardens.

What tools/software/hardware does a horticulturist use?

A horticulturist uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Hand tools such as pruning shears, shovels, and rakes
• Gardening gloves and protective clothing
• Watering cans, hoses, and irrigation systems
• Soil testing kits and meters
• Pest control products and equipment

What do I need to become a horticulturist?

There are a number of ways you can become a horticulturist, including:

• Bachelor's degree: You can study horticulture at university, which will give you in-depth knowledge and skills in plant care, garden design, and landscaping.
• Further Education: Some colleges and vocational institutions offer courses and diplomas in horticulture, which can provide a more practical and hands-on approach to learning.
• Apprenticeship: You can also learn on the job through apprenticeship programs, where you work under the guidance of experienced horticulturists while earning a salary.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to you as a horticulturist, including:

• Head Gardener: With experience and expertise, you can progress to a senior role where you oversee a team of horticulturists and manage larger gardens or estates. Starting as a junior gardener and gaining experience and knowledge is the typical pathway to this role.
• Landscape Architect: If you have a passion for design and planning, you can become a landscape architect. This role involves creating detailed plans and layouts for gardens, parks, and outdoor spaces. To become a landscape architect, additional education and qualifications in landscape architecture are usually required.
• Horticultural Therapist: Using plants and gardens for therapeutic purposes, horticultural therapists work with people to improve their mental and physical well-being. Additional training and certifications in horticultural therapy may be required to pursue this career path.

What jobs are similar to a horticulturist? (Include those with transferable skills that a horticulturist usually has)

• Gardener: Similar to a horticulturist, a gardener focuses on maintaining and caring for gardens. They may have less focus on design and planning.
• Landscape Designer: This role involves creating and implementing designs for outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and commercial landscapes. A horticulturist can transition to this role by enhancing their design skills and knowledge.
• Garden Centre Assistant: Working at a garden center, this role involves providing advice, selling plants and garden supplies, and assisting customers with their gardening needs. Horticulturists have the knowledge and expertise to excel in this role.

What made you want to become a horticulturist?

How did you get your first horticulturist job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a horticulturist?

Are you a horticulturist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to horticulture. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.