Not knowing what to do when I left school I fell into computing and quickly realised that tapping a keyboard all day was not for me! Being creative and with a love for the outdoors, a determination to be different from other girls, and influence from Ground Force I decided to study Landscape Construction at Level 3. Since then I have achieved various accreditations to my name with my most recent being the RHS Master of Horticulture degree.

So many Reasons! Getting stuck in as a team and becoming one of the lads. No one job we undertake is the same, with the development in high end landscaping and the materials available to us we are forever being challenged in order to achieve perfection. Through my career I have worked in the commercial and private sector, Tutored Landscape and garden design, along with building gardens for TV shows, with these and so many more opportunities out there how can you get bored.

Although as a young landscaper I refused to look at plants in order to prove my skills and not be forced stereotypically into planting and maintenance, it is now I can safely say a good landscaper requires a knowledge of both hard and soft elements. Problem solving skills are essential, always be open to advice, never be scared to ask questions, forever endeavouring to improve you skill set in order to meet the demands of architects/garden designers. Lastly never shy away from an opportunity or challenge, you never know what exciting experiences it will lead too.

I always loved the outdoors, old country houses and the stories behind famous garden restorations. I started volunteering at a historic garden as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, working with the gardeners throughout my college holidays. I realised almost by fluke when applying for university courses this could be a career that combined my love of art, history and the environment into one. I studied Garden Design, Restoration and Management (BSc) at Writtle College and now work as a Consultant Landscape Manager for LUC – an environmental consultancy working on a variety of projects from the restoration of a historic garden, to funding applications as part of large HLF applications to Open Space Strategies.  Little did I know at the time how broad the industry is. I am continuously learning new skills while working on a range of landscapes and projects.

The landscape industry is hugely varied and what’s great is you can experience all aspects of it over the course of one’s career. I am constantly working on a range of landscapes from the management plan for an urban park to enhancing the landscape character of a farm within an AONB. I use my design, landscape management, horticultural skills and farming background daily in the work I produce. My biggest sense of personal accomplishment comes from knowing the work I do contributes to the preservation and understanding of our landscapes.

The industry is ever changing and I believe over the next 25 years we’ll see some monumental differences to the way we look after the environment. Not only do we need to consider climate change, the current political environment and the varied economic impacts, but we can now look to the future of technologies like robotics, AI and GIS to relieve some 21st century pressures.  My advice would be to take advantage of all opportunities for experience and work across the sector to find the specialism that inspires you to see change and be bold in the suggestions you make. A different perspective is always useful.

I was bought up working in a market garden and a barrow boy for Ipswich market, which gave me a value of just how perishable home grown fruit and veg are. My background in sales got me a job with a leading turf distributor where I learned on the job.

Appreciating the value of something will automatically give you enthusiasm that enthusiasm is infectious to those around you, who will want to have a part of you, when that happens, you have their attention, thus, the century old way of achieving most sales.

Enthusiasm, appreciating good people, honesty and balancing the costs are key to the success of any business.

After school I completed a Foundation Diploma in Art, and particularly enjoyed applying design to the landscape and its link with architecture. I studied Architecture at University and started my career as an Urban & Landscape Design Assistant.

I love working on large-scale public realm and play schemes, while considering the urban and rural environments. It’s great fun working on site and planting up our designs. I am so excited to be part of this industry, designing flagship projects around the UK and abroad.

Landscape Design is an ideal alternative to budding artists and architects who like working outside. There are so many outdoor spaces crying out for uplifting designs, it’s really worth considering if you’re creative and unsure of what to do after school or college.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at 18, but I did like being outdoors and active. I started as an apprentice and have since trained up to Level 3 in Work-based Horticulture.

I enjoy meeting the challenge of keeping clients happy! I look after a team of people which I also find very rewarding.

Get some experience under your belt and take advantage of any training opportunities. If you show willing, you can progress very quickly in the sector.

I started off on temporary contract doing basic landscaping work. I was soon offered a permanent position and trained in horticultural and leadership skills. I am now a senior supervisor across a range of parks.

My job has provided lots of opportunities to develop and progress. I am particularly proud of being involved in the maintenance of a BALI award winning park.

If you work hard and show your keen, there are lots of opportunities to progress.

I had always loved gardening from an early age. When a neighbour pointed out I could garden as a job I applied to the Local Authority Parks Department for an apprenticeship. When I started it was just a job, I had no idea what a rewarding career it would turn into.

Meeting different people and the opportunity to go to different places is extremely interesting. I have been to the House of Lords, House of Commons, behind the scenes at Chelsea Flower Show, met five knights of the realm and been flown to New Zealand!

Get a good grounding in the basics of horticulture both practically and through training courses. Follow your gut instincts about what you would really like to do and don’t stop learning.

I studied Fine Art at Oxford Brookes University where I wrote about sculpture in the landscape for my dissertation. Through my research I found landscape design. After graduating, I went to the Inchbald School of Design to study Garden Design.

There are so many aspects to the industry – it’s not just about the design. I am learning on the job all the time, expanding my horticultural and construction knowledge. Making my ideas a reality is the biggest buzz. I love my job!!

Get your qualifications and get working – since employment I have learnt so much.

I started off in grounds maintenance at 18, where I gained practical experience. I’ve done lots of training since, including NVQs in Horticulture and most recently a Diploma in Management and Leadership.

I am extremely proud to be involved in looking after a wide range of high quality parks in my area and I enjoy working with a talented team of people.

Take advantage of any training opportunity you’re given if you want to progress.

I started as an administrator and then onto a management training programme, where I experienced the practical side of landscaping, which I loved. I’m now Assistant Grounds Maintenance Manager looking after London’s most prestigious parks.

Physical, outdoor work suits me more than sitting in office. I find horticulture extremely interesting and I enjoy the variety of work I get involved with.

If you get the opportunity, try out lots of different landscaping roles. The profession’s extremely varied and by having a go at as much as you can you’ll gain experience and hopefully find your niche.

After school I completed a national Diploma in Art & Design, I always loved science too, so a degree in Landscape & Garden Design seemed a good fit.

First and foremost my passion is for plants. I also love the arts and through Landscape Design I have combined my passions.

Get practical experience alongside your studies. It’s imperative for understanding more about plants and the actual nitty gritty of creating and maintaining gardens.

My father worked in the industry and I started work alongside him as a stop gap job – 22 years later I’m still doing the job I fell in love with.

I love making an impact on the environment we live in – a small green space can create a large wealth of happiness. Being able to revisit a scheme in the years to come and say “I planted that” is a great feeling. Working outside in all weathers is good too; the three months of winter is a small price to pay for the long warm summer.

Embrace the landscape as every project/garden/scheme you maintain/construct/plant will be different, throwing up new challenges.

I trained as a Landscape Architect but decided I preferred getting my hands dirty, and wanted to know more about plants. I now work for a plant nursery.

Each day is different! Landscaping includes science, technical skill, management challenges and you get to work with lots of great people.

Don’t ever stop learning! Carry on studying and gaining more qualifications to progress in your career and be prepared to move for your dream job.