Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recommend plants and cultural practices. It applies to both sales staff in plant nurseries and garden centres and others in the amenity horticulture industries.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
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. Identify client preferences and requirements | 1.1 Initiate contact with the client when appropriate 1.2 Clarify the purpose of the planting and cultural and environmental factors of the intended planting site by gathering all relevant information from the client 1.3 Use botanical and common names to describe plants |
2. Select plants to suit specific situations | 2.1 Identify plants and their growth and performance characteristics that suit the specific situation using research and experiential awareness 2.2 Compare, assess and evaluate available plants using sound problem-solving techniques 2.3 Determine the best choice based on reasoned argument, appropriate evidence, sound principles and customer needs |
3. Advise on plants for specific situation | 3.1 Explain performance characteristics and particular planting, cultural and maintenance requirements to the client 3.2 Refer to the original supplier of the plant where necessary 3.3 Respond to client requests for clarification or expansion by the use of attentive listening and questioning techniques 3.4 Record and report recommendations |
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:
conduct literature and industry research, collate and analyse findings on plant species and cultivars, their characteristics and requirements
comply with legislative requirements
explain to the client work health and safety requirements or basic safety precautions relevant to the establishment and on-going maintenance of plants
document client preferences and site particulars
select plants that suit client preferences and suitability for the site
report recommendations to the client that detail the types of plants chosen and their requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices for recommending plants and their cultural practices
customer service and communication skills
features of plant species and cultivars
innovation and recent practices in plant selection, use and performance
plant nomenclature (family, genus, species and cultivar) for the range of plants recommended by the enterprise
practical understanding of the physiology of the range of plants supplied and recommended by the enterprise and their comparative growth and performance characteristics in response to different cultural and environmental factors
principles and practices for the establishment and maintenance of plants
soil characteristics, particularly in relation to the geographical and climatic region from which clients generally originate
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
Plants culture and management (PCM)