People often use the words “landscaper” and “landscape gardener” interchangeably, but there are small differences based on where you are and what you are doing. In general, both jobs involve improving the look and function of outdoor areas. So let’s have a look at their main focuses before advising how to become a landscape gardener.

Landscaper:

Landscapers usually do a lot of different kinds of work. They can help with different parts of landscaping, such as hardscaping (patios, walkways, retaining walls), softscaping (planting, lawn care), irrigation, and outdoor building.
Commercial and residential landscape gardeners can work on projects for both businesses and private homes. They might be in charge of designing, building, and taking care of settings as a whole.

Landscape Gardener:

On the other hand, landscape gardeners tend to focus more on plants and gardening than on other things. They know how to plant, grow, and take care of many different kinds of plants, like flowers, shrubs, trees, and fields.
Landscape gardeners may work mostly on residential properties, where their main jobs are to make and take care of gardens and green areas that look nice.

Detailed Knowledge of Plants:

They usually know a lot about different kinds of plants, how dirt is made, and how to grow plants.
In many situations, it may not be easy to tell the difference between a landscaper and a landscape gardener. People who work in these areas may offer a range of services that overlap. The job title and duties can also be different from one place to the next and from one company to the next.

So becoming a landscape gardener is a very similar way to becoming a landscaper.

You should look at getting a mix of schooling, training, and experience in the real world.

Here are a few steps if you want to know how to become a landscape gardener:

Do I Need a Degree?

Landscape Gardeners who have a degree or certificate in landscape gardening or a similar area are preferred by many companies.
Also, if you have certifications in specific areas like irrigation or arboriculture, you probably will be more desirable.

Get a Formal Education: 

Getting a formal education in gardening or a similar field isn’t always necessary, but it could give you an edge in the job market.
Many community colleges and vocational schools offer programmes in landscape design, horticulture, and other similar fields.

Think about getting a certificate in your field. These are like the Landscape Industry Certified Technician from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) or the Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) from NALP.

Part Time Work:

You could work part-time or do an internship with a landscaping business. This will give you hands-on training and teach you about the different parts of the job. Volunteering at a botanical garden or community garden is another way to learn new skills and meet people in your field.

Landscape Gardening Apprenticeship:

A landscape gardening apprenticeship is a great way to start out in the landscaping business, and you’ll get to see the different types of landscaping.

Taking up a landscape gardening apprenticeship will give you:

• You will work with people who have a lot of experience as an assistant.
• Learn different skills for gardening.
• You will learn how to do a certain kind of gardening work.
• Get a salary and paid time.
• You will get sick pay and other benefits from the company.
• Get a day a week (usually) to study for your job.
• Will give you a great chance of getting jobs in landscaping.

Put Together a Portfolio:

Its always best to keep a record of your work, including photos, sketches, and design plans, to show possible employers or clients your skills and experience.

Network:

Attend industry events, join professional groups, and talk to other professionals in the field to build your network and find job leads.

Finally the last way in how to become a landscape gardener is to keep up to date and check out landscaping companies. But also nurseries and garden shops for their latest jobs.

Keep in mind that it takes time, dedication, and hard work to become a good landscape gardener. If you want to stay competitive in the market, you need to keep learning and getting better.

Lastly, the amount of education and training you need to become a landscape gardener will depend on what kind of work you want to do and what companies want.
No matter where you went to school, if you want to become a landscape gardener, you need to have a strong work ethic, pay attention to details, and love making beautiful outdoor spaces.