Cities support 67% of South Africa’s population, and are characterised by dense concentrations of people, buildings and activities. With increasing urbanisation and density, green open spaces are critically important for ecological and human wellbeing, by providing for example, areas for leisure, reduction in urban heating, absorption of carbon and reducing air pollution. Landscape gardening contributes to the development and maintenance of functional and beautiful green open spaces.
Landscape gardeners can work with landscape architects or as part of a crew of groundsmen. They mainly work outside in parks, recreational areas, botanical gardens, apartment complexes, private homes or office parks, for example. They need to wear protective clothing and work may depend on weather conditions.
Landscape gardeners require an understanding of varied plant and flower species and the properties that govern their development as well as plant maintenance techniques. They will also benefit from:
Produce saplings, bulbs, seeds, raising plants from seeds or cuttings
Plant trees, shrubs, garden plants and grass
Construct water and other features and facilities within gardens
Check the health of plants and trees, identifying and treating weeds, pests and diseases
Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Landscape Technology at TUT
Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Horticulture at CPUT, DUT, TUT and UNISA
Landscape gardeners can benefit from a National Certificate in Landscape Irrigation at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 2, accredited by the Agriculture Sector Education Training Authority. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced mentor.
Landscaping and gardening service companies.
Botanical gardens, garden centres and nurseries.
Landscape architecture firms.
Research institutions.
