Green thumbs take note!

By Samantha Elley

If you have ever had a desire to work in a career where you can be outdoors and help make things grow, then the Certificate II in Horticulture may be right in your garden bed.

This new course will be split between Wollongbar TAFE and the brand new Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre and enrolments are open now, which starts on May 1.

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NSW TAFE Relieving head teacher for Horticulture, Robert Davies said the course is for anyone from 16 to 60 who has a desire to learn how to grow produce and plants and eventually find a career in the industry of horticulture.

“The course is for those straight out of school, already working in the industry as trainees or it is even open to those people with a general interest,” he said.

“One year we had some attend from a gardening club just to improve their skills and knowledge in general.”

The course can be attended over six months, two days a week or over a year, one day a week and the days go from 9am to 3.30pm.

“It is 50% practical and 50% theory,” said Mr Davies.

“And you pretty much learn to do everything from propagating, pruning, planting, mulching, potting, identifying, from seeding to the finished product.”

With new facilities at Byron Bay, Mr Davies said there is more opportunities for those in the area to do the course.

“We’ve got a big expanse of land to create a vegetable patch and orchard,” he said.

“The seedlings are grown at the propagating facility in Wollongbar, then the students will plant in the patch at Byron and weed them and monitor them for pest and disease.”

After the course is complete, Mr Davies said students have the opportunity for further study in the Certificate III in Horticulture or the opportunity to work in nurseries, orchards, council to garden maintenance.

“The Northern Rivers is a big area of horticultural produce and is desperate for skilled workers,” he said.

“Running this course at Byron Bay Connected Learning Centre is a great opportunity to make use of this brand new facility with room to grow.”

To learn more on the Certificate II in Horticulture course, visit tafensw.edu.au or visit Student Services at Wollongbar TAFE.

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What are some careers for people who like gardening?

If you’re passionate about gardening, there are several career paths that could align well with your interests, offering opportunities to work closely with plants, design landscapes, or contribute to environmental conservation.

• Horticulturist: Horticulturists specialise in plant cultivation, genetics, and breeding. They work in a variety of settings, including botanical gardens, nurseries, and agricultural firms, focusing on improving plant growth, yield, and resistance to pests.
• Landscape Architect: If you have a keen eye for design along with a love for plants, becoming a landscape architect might be the right path. Landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, residential areas, and campuses, combining aesthetics with functionality.
• Garden Designer: Similar to landscape architects but often working on a smaller scale, garden designers focus specifically on creating beautiful and practical garden spaces for private homes, public parks, or businesses.
• Botanist: Botanists study plant life at various levels, from microscopic cells to entire ecosystems. Their work can involve research, conservation, and education, contributing to our understanding of plant biology, ecology, and the impact of climate change on vegetation.
• Arborist: Arborists are experts in tree care, focusing on planting, maintaining, and removing trees. They work to ensure the health and safety of trees in urban and rural settings, often collaborating with municipalities and private landowners.
• Agricultural or Environmental Scientist: These scientists focus on improving agricultural practices, managing natural resources, and conserving the environment. They work on issues like soil health, water use, and sustainable farming methods.
• Florist: Florists work with flowers, creating arrangements for occasions such as weddings, funerals, and celebrations. This career combines creativity with a knowledge of plant care.
• Nursery or Greenhouse Manager: Managing a nursery or greenhouse involves overseeing the cultivation and sale of plants and flowers. This role requires a blend of botanical knowledge, business acumen, and customer service skills.
• Landscape Contractor: Landscape contractors execute the plans designed by landscape architects or garden designers. This hands-on career involves planting, building hardscape, and installing irrigation systems.
• Gardening Coach or Educator: If you enjoy sharing your love for gardening with others, consider becoming a gardening coach or educator. This can involve teaching gardening classes, writing articles or books, or running workshops.

Each of these careers offers a unique way to engage with your passion for gardening, whether your interests lie in the artistic, scientific, or educational aspects of plant cultivation and landscape design.

For more gardening news, click here.

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Managing Autumn Leaves

Autumn brings a cascade of vibrant leaves, transforming chores into opportunities for gardeners. With managing autumn leaves, it can be painful for many a reason, but it can also open up a lot of opportunity to be able to enrich your garden.

Safety First

Ensure you’re equipped with safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and a mask. Adhering to equipment guidelines is paramount.

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Essential Tools

• Blower vacuum
• Compost bin
• Garden rake
• Garden trowel
• Leaf scoops

Gathering Leaves

Begin by clearing leaves from lawns and garden beds. Utilise a garden rake for smaller spaces, congregating leaves into manageable piles for removal with leaf scoops or gloves. For extensive areas, a leaf blower or vacuum offers efficiency. Should the volume of leaves be substantial, consider a lawn mower to chop them for composting or green waste disposal.

Composting Leaves

Composting transforms garden waste into a nutrient-dense soil enhancer. While most leaves are compostable, some may resist decomposition, so identify the leaf type first. Incorporate leaves as “browns” in your compost, counterbalanced with “greens” like grass clippings or kitchen scraps. Regular watering and stirring expedite decomposition. For quicker breakdown, shred leaves beforehand. Exclude diseased leaves to prevent compost contamination.

Enriching Soil with Leaves

Leaves are a boon for soil health, enriching it with essential minerals that nurture worms and microorganisms. They can amend heavy soils and help sandy soils retain moisture. Prior to incorporation, verify the decomposability of your leaf types.

Creating Leaf Mulch

Leaves double as an economical mulch, offering protection and moisture retention for plants while suppressing weeds. Spread leaves around plants to form a protective layer but avoid excessive accumulation or proximity to plant stems to deter rot and pests.

Get sweeping!

These practices not only ease the autumn clean-up but also contribute to a more vibrant and healthier garden ecosystem.

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