career advice

Hello,

I am about to be made redundant from my very boring office job, and I would really like to pursue a career in horticulture. I have no experience, except of my own garden, and no qualifications. I live in central Liverpool (not much in the way of opportunities, esp. entry level ones) and do not wish to move in the near future - although I am prepared to travel and be paid peanuts.

I would be grateful if anyone can give me any advice - what qualifications are the most useful - who might give me some voluntary experience - where to look for entry level jobs...

My interest is really in 'amenities horticulture' with the view to a job such as an estate gardener,

any advice appreciated,

thanks,

Emily

 

I would approach your council to see if there were any openings. If not, they may point you towards a contractor who they use.You would not only learn about horticulture, but also the health and safety issues which are now a big requirement in all parts industry.

 

Ah well! My situation was much the same but I just went out and did it. Job ads in shop windows and it took off from there. Been hard work but a lot of fun and ditching the 9-5 was the best thing I ever did. Summer I do 12 hours a day or more but now it's getting a lot quieter so you have to pace your money. I've just had the car MOT'd, I'm getting a tow bar fitted Monday and a trailer, chainsaw and some other bits and bobs so all those lovely people that planted Lelandii a few years ago will know who to call and there's usually someone looking for logs for their open fire at Christmas :D

You will also be surprised at how many disabled folk and pensioners there are who love their gardens but need help with the heavier jobs. They are also the best payers too so don't be disillusioned about being in a city. There is LOADS of work out there if you are prepared to work hard and be reliable. You will also become fitter than you have ever been!

Use what skills you have, most anyone can paint a fence or mow a lawn and if in doubt about anything shout here and someone will be able to give advice and I can thoroughly recommend a digi camera for taking pics of different gardens, seasons and for help with identification and as sales pitch.

My customers also like me because I often take cuttings, divide roots etc. and (providing you have permission) can operate a nice plant exchange which keeps customer loyalty

I also do painting and decorating during the quieter months as well but I look on that as a bonus.

 

Its usually a bit quiet at the moment but you might get something in a nursery or garden center in the run up to Christmas. From about Feb/March there should be temp. jobs available with landscape maintenance firms & nurseries which can lead to permanent positions. Once in a position, most decent employers will put you through appropriate training. I would write now to the sort of organisations that you want to work in.
Don't be afraid to go it alone, the money will be poor to start with but when established you can earn well with flexible hours & a great boss.

 

How about Ness Gardens just across the Wirral? The employees there may be able to give advice if nothing else.

 

Thanks for all your kind advice.

I will definitely look at getting some temp work in the Spring, and I admit that self-employment has often looked a tempting option in my area - as soon as I can get my driving licence!

Will keep plugging away and try not to slip back into office work,

thanks again,

Emily

 

Why wait for spring - this time of year can be really busy for gardeners. Clearing up, splitting, planting, pruning etc.

 

A work-mate of mine recently set up as a one woman gardening service. She's in her fifties and had worked as a nurse and nurse manager for all her life!

But things came to a point where she was disillusioned by nursing (Agenda For Change was responsible for that!) so she quit and trawled around for gardening work.

This summer she's been so busy! She also got herself enrolled in the RHS course and is studying for her horticulteral degree, something she could never have afforded as a nurse!