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A good landscaper / gardener can turn even the most unattractive garden into a dream haven. He has this ability to arrange and combine different kinds of plants and elements to come up with a cohesive garden set-up where the owners can relax and run away from the daily stresses of life.
In other words, a landscaper creates a piece of art where his clients can soak up nature and appreciate life.
If you want to be able to do this magical thing, try getting into the landscaping business.
It is a thriving business for those who dare to embrace the challenges that go with it. If you love plants and gardens and creating beautiful spaces, you might want to try becoming a landscaper / gardener.
Starting Out As A Landscaper / Gardener
If you want to become a professional landscaper / gardener, you have to be licensed to practice. You can check out landscaping associations and organizations on the rules and requirements for licensing. If you are starting from scratch, there are landscaping courses available for you. Length of courses varies from a few months to a year.
When enrolling in landscaping courses, choose the ones that have numerous hands-on training as landscaping is a very hands-on job. You will learn about plants, construction basics and irrigation structures.
Aside from the technical aspects, you will also need a lot of knowledge on techniques and design, positioning particular kinds of plants, and what plants and other gardening elements go well together. Landscaping is equal parts science and art. Knowing both aspects very well will give you leverage over others in this business.
Plan and organize
Plan and organize before starting every project. Visit the site and interview clients beforehand. Ask their preferences with regards to colors and textures, their lifestyle or whether they have pets and kids in the place. Formulate a proposed design around these preferences and givens, putting in your own ideas and design to achieve the desired effect.
There are times when you need to either compromise or take a stand. For example, if a client wants a specific plant that you know will not thrive in the area, be frank about it.
You are there to make sure that their garden will not just be beautiful but will also thrive in all kinds of weather. Never fail to give your expert's opinion about a replacement, for example, which will create the same effect.
As you are just a newbie in the field, consider offering your services to clients with smaller gardens. Take splendid photographs of your work to organize an impressive portfolio. This way, clients can readily see your works.
You can also create a web site for your services and upload the photos there. You can also print and give out flyers, brochures and business cards to potential clients.
Invite clients to view your previous works personally so they can visualize what you are capable of doing. It will not be very difficult for them to decide on their own designs after they have seen a sample of your work, a preview of your talent.
Be daring enough to execute original designs which go well with your client's personality and lifestyle. Satisfied clients will always be the best advertisement through referrals and word-of-mouth.
For more information on starting your own landscaper / gardener business, you can visit these Pages:
ANLA - American Nursery & Landscape Association
Organizations < Landscaping and Gardening in the Yahoo! Directory
How To Start A Landscaping Business
Important Point To Keep In Mind
See Also: How to Start A Business : Business Idea of The Day
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