URBAN GROWTH
HORTICULTURE IS A GROWING CAREER
There are questions that will emerge, every new season, like new spring shoots: “Where will I find a career I love?” The other question is asked by employers, “Where can I find good help?” Today, we’re going to dabble in some matchmaking of the career variety.
Consider horticulture
We work in a profession that abounds with job opportunities. Right now is one of the best times to seek work since the growing season is exploding before us. On the other side, the biggest challenge for the gardening profession is finding and keeping good help. Fact is, there are many career opportunities in landscaping, nursery growing, grounds maintenance and retail horticulture. And, just like plumbers, carpenters and electricians, professional gardeners and landscapers must work their way up. Postsecondary education can help move you up the ladder. Access to companies that need help this season are a few clicks away at landscape.jobs.
Put it in your future
In Ontario, there are 12 post-secondary schools that offer degree and diploma programs in the diverse field of horticulture. We recently had the opportunity to talk with 18 horticultural scholarship award winners, and ask a few questions about why they chose their fields. Some of the things they told us: “The future of horticulture looks sustainable and environmentally friendly. I see our profession as being one of the first to respond to global warming, since the Earth is our canvas.” Rachel Radauskas told us this and she foresees a greater use of native plants in home landscapes. We love that expression, “the Earth is our canvas” since it describes the raw material of any great garden design. Katie Nikota, at the University of Guelph, explained her decision: “I wanted to dedicate my life to conservation, preservation and bringing natural wonders into the hearts and homes of everyone.” Shawntanna Atkinson-Gingrich, who attends Fanshawe College’s Landscape Design program said: “I’ve always had a passion for the environment and the rejuvenating feeling it gives me. I have discovered that plants act as a healing element in many rehabilitation centres. When I learned this, I knew that I wanted to become a landscape designer.” Atkinson-Gingrich also looks forward to the soulful rewards of the work: “When I am working in the profession, I wish to create spaces where people can heal, feel safe and relax.”
Robots
Evan Jenkins, also in the University of Guelph’s horticulture degree program, sees the future as downright robotic. “I want to learn about computerassisted design technology, mechanics such as robotic lawn maintenance and the use of drones for landscape management purposes. I want to use innovative technology in whatever area of horticulture I choose as my career path.” In Scotland this past fall we saw robotic lawn mowers used in public parks. No doubt, they will be in a park near you very soon. There are many opportunities for full- and parttime work in the garden industry. Getting a formal education can only help applicants qualify for a job. As well, there are many training sessions offered by our province’s industry trade organization, Landscape Ontario, that can help you get that leg up.
Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author, broadcaster, tree advocate and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of University of Guelph and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Follow them at markcullen.com, @markcullengardening, on Facebook and biweekly on Global TV’s Morning Show.