Patrick asks: I have been working as a private chef and caregiver for a few years while enjoying gardening as a hobby. At this point l feel ready to have a job working outside focusing on plants rather than people. I’d like some suggestions on how I might launch a career as a landscape professional?
Tropical Gardener Answer: Turning an enjoyable hobby into a job is a good way to improve job satisfaction. Working in landscaping will offer you an opportunity to experience our wonderful tropical environment even though you may find it somewhat physically challenging.
Taking local workshops and classes as well as joining landscaping organizations will add to your plant knowledge and offer the opportunity to meet other landscapers and plant people.
Networking with others in the landscape industry is also a good way to find jobs. Several organizations exist that bring landscapers together to connect with one another and share ideas. The Hawaii Island Landscape Association (HILA) offers informational meetings, certification classes and an annual conference. Visit www.hilahawaii.com to find information on membership and the educational opportunities they offer.
The eighth annual conference sponsored by HILA and UH Cooperative Extension is coming up and would be an excellent opportunity for you to meet other landscapers as well as get some up to date information on local landscaping practices. This year’s conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Westin Hapuna Beach Hotel in South Kohala. The theme for the 2019 conference will the “Growing the Green Industry – the Business of Landscape.”
The educational sessions at the conference will offer practical management tools for landscape professionals and tree workers taught by local experts. Steve Nimz, a well-known consulting arborist from Oahu will offer the Plenary for the conference. He has taken on the protection of the 160-year- old landmark banyan tree that was saved for the centerpiece at the new International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Steve will also offer an educational session on the risks involved in starting a landscape business. Micah Barker from Bio-Scape Hawaii will discuss opportunities for growing a sustainable landscape business. Other specialists in landscape design, new and emerging pests and controlling little fire ants will also offer sessions at this conference.
You can find more information or register for the conference at the above mentioned HILA website or by contacting Ty McDonald at UH Cooperative Extension office in Kainaliu at 322-4884 or tym@hawaii.edu. Reduced fees are available for members and those registering before Oct. 16.
The Landscape Industry Council is a statewide organization of landscape professionals that offers workshops and conferences throughout the year. Their annual conference starts tomorrow in the Hawaii Convention Center in Waikiki. Visit www.hawaiiscape.com for more information about the conference and other programs they offer.
Check our local community college class offerings on landscape topics and get yourself on UH Extension agent Andrea Kawabata’s mailing list by emailing her andreak@hawaii.edu to see what UH is offering each month. The Kailua-Kona Public Library also offers 10 monthly talks on gardening topics. Their last event for 2019 is a Seed Exchange on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. To find out more about this and future library events, call them at 327-4327.
Lots of educational and networking opportunities for new landscapers are available. Check them out and they will help you launch your new career.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living part time in Kailua-Kona.