Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install and maintain plant displays. Plant displays can be permanent, semi-permanent and temporary displays of plant life under a range of gardening, exhibition, visual merchandising, marketing and commercial leasing and hiring activities.
It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess requirements for plantscaping | 1.1 Assess access factors impacting plantscaping and record prior to installation 1.2 Assess and record environmental parameters prior to installation 1.3 Note light sources in regard to both plant growth and client requirements 1.4 Take light meter readings interior installations and record 1.5 Analyse site conditions and constraints for plant suitability and record findings 1.6 Select plants to meet the requirements of the site |
2. Install containerised and direct planted specimens | 2.1 Identify and schedule materials, equipment and machinery required for the job 2.2 Identify and schedule personnel required for the job 2.3 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement control measures 2.4 Select, use and maintain suitable safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.5 Install plants securely and in a manner that ensures they are presented well, are accessible for routine maintenance and conform to the plan or specifications 2.6 Prune damaged or unnecessary material to enhance the presentation 2.7 Water and fertilise plants as required 2.8 Leave the site in a clean and tidy state |
3. Maintain plants | 3.1 Identify the symptoms of under and over-watering and rectify 3.2 Identify the symptoms of low and high light intensity and rectify 3.3 Identify the symptoms of low and high fertiliser concentration and measure the pH of the growing medium where required and amend as required 3.4 Identify insects, pests and diseases associated with plants and control as required 3.5 Enhance appearance of plants 3.6 Determine the cost benefit of reviving or replacing plants |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
assess site conditions, requirements and constraints impacting plantscaping
select plants that meet the requirements of the display and chosen site
determine spatial measurements of a plantscape
identify and schedule materials, equipment and personnel to install a plant display
install plants securely to ensure accessibility for maintenance and ascetic requirements
maintain plants to meet their water, light and fertiliser requirements
detect and control pests and diseases
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the principles and practices of installing and maintaining plantscapes
acclimatisation techniques for plants
characteristics and attributes of a range of plants used for plantscaping
commonly occurring problems with plantscaping
light and moisture tolerance/intolerance for common plant species
options for remedial action
photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient uptake and growth rate for plants
plant growth requirements
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Nursery (NSY)