What is the definition of a gardener?

Well, looking at the resources available, I have read it is basically anyone that works in a garden. It does not appear to define that a person should necessarily be able to do this or that, know about this or that or be qualified with this and that.The reason for looking this up is because there are some, perhaps many subscribers to this site who are, shall we say, resentful of non qualified persons with limited knowledge earning a living by working in a garden. To this extent some subscribers appear to resent people from actually describing themselves as gardeners.To put things straight, I have many qualifications in different subjects, but non in gardening. However I consider that I can cut and edge lawns, trim hedges, shape conifers dead head Hydrangeas (you get the picture) as good as most. My business card describes what I can do to a professional standard, no mention of gardener. Although I am now by definition a gardener (and most of the time called “the gardener” by clients) I am actually uncomfortable with this title.For what it is worth I agree with the sentiment that the word gardener predisposes the person has all and every skill applicable when working in a garden. However with the definition of the word as it is, I think qualified people should publicise accordingly (qualified gardener) but qualified gardeners should not demean a person who works in a garden for calling themselves gardeners if that is what they wish.

This is a very interesting topic Gordon and thanks for being brave enough to tackle it. This can be an important debate because the definition of a gardeners is far from clear as you rightly point out.

I would view the gardening profession (and maybe this site too) in the same way that I would consider a refraction tower is used in the refining of oil. Consider this analogy:

All 'gardeners' start in a crude sense and all become exposed to the pressures of horticulture education and experience.

Some gardeners will reach the top and some will leave the skills (refraction) tower at the earliest opportunity - it is fair to say that we all achieve, just as products of oil refraction do , different grades and settle at our most comfortable and useful level.

I would add however that, as is the case with oil refinement, every product has its own special quality that others don't and cater for different demands.

Some clients are highly tuned cars and demand a high octane fuel where as some clients will require an economy model that will still drive but perhaps is a little more high maintenance.

Every grade of gardener, again as is the case with the product of oil refinery, has its own price - the secret is finding the right level to pitch your wares and making sure that you fit the right demographic.

Replies

PRO

Phil Voice February 23, 2009 at 8:41am

This is a very interesting topic Gordon and thanks for being brave enough to tackle it. This can be an important debate because the definition of a gardeners is far from clear as you rightly point out.

I would view the gardening profession (and maybe this site too) in the same way that I would consider a refraction tower is used in the refining of oil. Consider this analogy:

All 'gardeners' start in a crude sense and all become exposed to the pressures of horticulture education and experience.

Some gardeners will reach the top and some will leave the skills (refraction) tower at the earliest opportunity - it is fair to say that we all achieve, just as products of oil refraction do , different grades and settle at our most comfortable and useful level.

I would add however that, as is the case with oil refinement, every product has its own special quality that others don't and cater for different demands.

Some clients are highly tuned cars and demand a high octane fuel where as some clients will require an economy model that will still drive but perhaps is a little more high maintenance.

Every grade of gardener, again as is the case with the product of oil refinery, has its own price - the secret is finding the right level to pitch your wares and making sure that you fit the right demographic.
James February 23, 2009 at 10:13am

I can see this topic running and running ..

I personally found that having a qualification gave me an insite into the horticulture indusrty and I'm glad I did it but time on the job is where you really start learning. Time working in gardens and for Landscapers boosts your knowledge considerably and with out this experiance I wouldn't have had the confidence to go it alone.

All walks of life there are people trying to undercut others in some way but I don't let this bother me. If you do a good job and people can see your taking time and effort on their garden wether you have qualifications or not then that should speak volumes.

I know there alot of people out there running around with a spade and a folk in the boot of the car and claiming to be professional gardeners after a few weekends working in their own garden but there is not much we can do about it on the whole. Alot of my customers have had bad experiences of people butchering trees and shrubs and are willing to paying the going rate for someone who is qualified and has the experience.

I guess if you take pride in what you do even if you don't have a vast knowledge to start with then thats going to set you on the right track.
PRO

Phil Voice February 23, 2009 at 7:09pm

I do not think that anyone can pretend forever and there will be a natural process of settlement at the level any trader provides their service.

I started as an 'odd jobber' but I developed my business, paid for my own college courses and learned through active participation in horticulture. I consider I have a broad knowledge of many horticulture subjects and how to run a small to medium sized business.

I believe too that there are many 'over qualified' designers, landscapers and gardeners who cannot carry out basic tasks and there are many experienced but not formally qualified people who can carry out many specialist tasks to a high standard the secret to success is honesty.

My advice would be that in advertising your wares, make it clear what area you are pitching your service and do not overstate what you are capable of.
Graeme @ BGS February 23, 2009 at 7:44pm

I don't think we will ever get a true definition of a "gardener" which we would all agree on. Out of all the people I have employed I would go for practical experience combined with someone who has a real desire and passion rather than a few years college training everytime.

Must say that not once have I ever been asked about previous experience or knowledge - I guess they just assume that you know what you are doing but I would never take on something I didn't feel comfortable with. In fact some of my OAP clients know a lot more than I do and I have even asked for their views and opinions. And yes I do have formal horticultural and land management qualifications to name a few but I am still and will continue to learn as I go.

On the flip side, a lot of people (mainly those that want the job done cheaply) assume anyone can be a gardener and would faint at paying anything more than 6 per hour! These “cheap cowboy gardeners” will soon find that they don’t cut the mustard and will only pick up the crap jobs and of course the more experienced gardeners will be there to pick up the pieces.
PRO

Phil Voice February 23, 2009 at 7:47pm

You might be interested in a personal experience I had when employing one person at my company.

http://www.landscapejuice.com/2008/10/groundsman-keit.html
Graeme @ BGS February 23, 2009 at 8:28pm

I'll take on a Maurice or a Keith anyday. I bet they don't loose one of the company vans on a night out! Don't even ask! :-(
steve loftus February 23, 2009 at 9:06pm

in my mind,and im nearly always right................titter.......surely to keep everybody happy the "day release" option must be the best route,best for employer and employee.
the employee can learn a lot of hands on skills for 4 days,then do some certified skills on his/her day release. you could probably get a grant for such courses,worth checking your local colleges,contacting IOG,NPTC, and the like.everybody is a winner.........this time next year we will be mill.............
Graeme @ BGS February 23, 2009 at 10:18pm

So are we all any the wiser of the "definition of a gardener" :-) boy this is getting heavy for this time of night.
PRO

Phil Voice February 24, 2009 at 7:33am

Good morning everyone - today is another day:-0))

The debate is getting unnecessarily heated and I would urge that we make our points in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

Whilst I am certain that we cannot nail down the definition of a gardener, I for one would be interested to hear the views of the wider membership.

Disagreement is fine because nothing is ever gained from unity for for the sake of it and disagreement need not ever be anything other than respectful.

Have a cracking day.

Warm regards:-0))

Phil
Graeme @ BGS February 24, 2009 at 7:59am

Some one who works in or tends a garden either for pleasure or profit. Their level of expertise can range from a very basic understanding to highly qualified (experience and or formal qualifications). If some is paid to undertake the work then it would not be unreasonably to be expected that the work is completed to a "professional" standard.