What does a landscape gardener do?
A landscape gardener will grow and look after plants in private or public outdoor spaces and create aesthetically pleasing displays of plants and flowers, which may even include water features.
You can expect to meet with clients and discuss their ideas; you’ll need to have good listening and communication skills to create their garden or landscape design; putting together sketches and plans of their vision.
You’ll also need to be able to work with your client’s budget ensuring you calculate the costs for all aspects of the design (including materials and labour).
Ultimately, having good organisational skills, being creative and physically fit, as well as being knowledgeable in all things horticulture are all necessary for anyone wanting to pursue a career in landscape gardening.
How do I become a landscape gardener?
When it comes to becoming a landscape gardener, there are no legal or educational requirements, but it could be useful having some qualifications, whether this is via a college or a university course.
Look for courses based around horticulture, landscape architecture and garden design.
There is of course the apprenticeship route which will give you the opportunity to learn on the job and develop your skills over time.
Benefits of becoming a freelance landscape gardener
Many landscape gardeners will go on to become self-employed, taking control of their own careers so they can take on the type of projects that they want to do.
For more information on becoming self-employed, take a look at our useful pages How to set up as a Sole Trader and Contracting through a Limited Company.
As well as this freedom of choosing the right projects for you, self-employment will give you flexible working when it comes to the hours and days you want to work; although as with all outdoor work, this will be weather dependent.
For more information on the benefits of being self-employed, take a look at our Benefits of Contracting page.
Finding work as a freelance landscape gardener
As for anyone running their own business, finding clients will be top of their list and this can be achieved through leaflets, signs and of course an online presence.
Having a portfolio of the landscaping projects you have worked on, whether during training or being employed, is useful for attracting new clients, so ensure you have something, whether physical or online, to present your skills.
Do I need an accountant?
If you do decide to set up your own business, then it’s most certainly worth hiring an accountant.
There are some who believe that an accountant is a luxury, but a good accountant can be an essential tool and a great asset to your business – not only will they help you to keep on top of your financial liabilities and deadlines, but they’ll also be able to provide you with financial advice that you might not otherwise be aware of.
Read our Choosing a Contractor Accountant page for more help and advice on hiring the best accountant for you.
If you need any further information, please call one of our friendly experts on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com. Alternatively, contact us via live chat.