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How to Become a Landscape Gardener: Australian Careers in Horticulture

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What is a Landscape Gardener?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Landscape Gardener?

A Landscape Gardener plans, designs, and builds outdoor spaces for homes, parks, and businesses. They bring together plant knowledge, soil skills, and building know-how to create gardens that look great and work well.

Landscape Gardeners handle two main types of work: hardscaping and softscaping. Hardscaping covers hard structures such as paths, patios, walls, and fences. Softscaping covers the living elements, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf. They draw up plans, choose materials, and manage each project from start to finish.

Landscape Gardeners often care for the spaces they build. This includes lawn care, pruning, pest control, and advice on how clients can look after their gardens.

About 25,100 people work as Landscape Gardeners in Australia, and future demand is moderate (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021). Urban growth and the rising value of green spaces support steady work. This career offers a mix of creative, physical, and problem-solving work for those who love the outdoors.

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Career snapshots For Landscape Gardeners

About 25,100 Landscape Gardeners work in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2021). Future demand is moderate. Most find work in construction and support services.

Most (72%) work full-time, averaging 42 hours a week. The median age is 34 years, which is below average for trades. Women make up around 5% of workers. Median weekly pay is around $1,305, or about $68,000 a year (vic.gov.au, April 2024).

NSW and Victoria account for about 60% of all Landscape Gardeners. Most start the trade with a three-year apprenticeship. The key trade cert is the Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921).

What will I do?

Landscape Gardeners plan and build outdoor spaces for many types of clients. Their work goes from drawing up designs to planting, paving, and upkeep. Good planning skills and plant knowledge are key in this hands-on trade.

  • Prepare plans and drawings – create detailed designs showing layout, materials, and plant selections for each project.
  • Select materials and plants – choose the right plants, soil, and hard materials to suit the site and client brief.
  • Schedule landscape construction – plan and manage each stage of the build to keep projects on time.
  • Install hardscape structures – lay paths, patios, walls, fences, and gravel areas with care and precision.
  • Construct outdoor features – build pergolas, ponds, garden furniture, barbecues, and retaining structures.
  • Prepare seedbeds and growing sites – ready the soil for planting to give plants the best start.
  • Plant trees, bushes, and flowers – place trees, shrubs, hedges, bulbs, and groundcovers to bring the design to life.
  • Establish lawn areas – spread topsoil, sow grass seed, or lay instant turf to create lush green lawn zones.

What skills do I need?

A Landscape Gardener needs skills in both design and hands-on building. Strong plant knowledge helps them pick the right species for each site. The ability to read landscape plans lets them turn designs into real outdoor spaces.

Physical fitness is key, as the role involves heavy lifting, digging, and outdoor work in all weather. Good time management keeps projects on track and within budget. Clear communication helps them understand what clients want and keep them updated at every stage.

Skills/attributes

  • Knowledge of plants, soils, and horticulture
  • Ability to read and interpret landscape plans
  • Hardscaping skills, including paving, walls, and fencing
  • Softscaping skills, including planting and lawn care
  • Safe use of landscaping tools and machinery
  • Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor work
  • Attention to detail and an eye for design
  • Problem-solving skills for site and soil challenges
  • Time management and project planning
  • Clear communication with clients and team members
  • Teamwork on commercial or large-scale projects
  • Knowledge of local plants and Australian ecosystems
  • Understanding of soil science and irrigation systems
  • Creativity in design and planting layouts

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.