The Role & Expectations
The work is mowing lawns, planting and pruning, weeding, clearing leaves, maintaining beds and using tools and machinery to keep spaces looking their best through the seasons. Physical fitness, a feel for plants and reliability matter, along with a willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.
You may work for yourself, a landscaping firm or a council, often outdoors year-round with busier spells in spring and summer, and pay commonly starts around the minimum wage and rises with skill. Self-employed gardeners build their own round of regular customers, which brings independence and the ups and downs of finding work.
Many gardeners learn on the job or through a horticulture course or apprenticeship, building plant knowledge over time. No degree is needed, a driving licence and your own tools are often useful, and experience can lead to landscaping or garden design.
Daily Responsibilities
- Mow, edge and tidy lawns
- Plant, prune and weed beds and borders
- Clear leaves and garden waste
- Maintain hedges, paths and patios
- Use and care for tools and machinery
- Advise customers on their gardens
- Work to the seasons and weather