What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in planning and establishing plant displays requires evidence that plant displays can be planned and established to a level which satisfies client needs and plants suitable for the display are selected and maintained in a healthy, optimal state.

The skills and knowledge required to prepare the display must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could different environments, display themes, plant species, and seasons.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

aim and purpose of building plant displays

design principles for plant displays

features and characteristics of a range of plants used for display purposes

growing requirements of a range of common plants used in plant displays

common problems occurring with display plants

remedial action required for display plants displaying health problems.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate with work team members, supervisors, suppliers and customers

interpret design plans and specifications

calculate number of plants and materials

determine spatial measurements of display site

co-ordinate own activities sequentially

effectively complete plant display in a timely manner.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to suitability and availability of stock and materials and problems encountered, will be required with the supervisor, work group, suppliers or clients.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

Enterprise work procedures, customer impact criteria and the display plan should be consulted, interpreted and applied to co-ordinate display activities with further clarification sought from the supervisor where necessary. Information on enterprise and plant environmental requirements may need to be collected to ensure suitable plants for display are chosen.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

Preparing the display may require planning in the selection and placing of plants. Work activities for the work group and self may need to be adjusted throughout the duration of the display.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

Preparing the display may involve working as part of a team to complete the display to plan and on time. Discussion of display design and plant suitability may need to be carried out with supervisors or others in the workplace.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?

Mathematical concepts may be used to calculate design requirements such as space and stock requirements.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

Plant selection, environmental variation, client intervention, personnel difficulties and timeline failures may require problem-solving techniques.

7. How can the use of technology (2) be applied?

Technological understanding may be required to access information about suitable plants and design ideas, communicate and keep records.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What are plant displays in the context of this standard?

Plant displays include displays for functions, annual bedding displays, herbaceous perennial displays, and indoor presentations.

What aesthetic, environmental and physical attributes should be taken into account?

Aesthetic, environmental and physical attributes may include light, air, humidity, desired effect, nature of event or exhibition, time-span of display, size of display, barriers preventing display in particular locations, access restrictions.

What OHS hazards may be associated with the preparation of plant displays?

Hazards may include interference with services, manual handling, moving machinery and machinery parts, and solar radiation.

What does a display plan include?

A display plan may include action required, display location, plants required, materials, who is responsible, deadlines, assistance required, maintenance requirements, and access availability.

What determines the plant types selected for display?

Choice of plants may be influenced by factors including colour of foliage or flowers, shape and growth of foliage, texture, size, longevity, portability hardiness in particular environmental conditions.

What tools, equipment and machinery may be required?

Tools, equipment and machinery may include hand tools such as rakes, shovels, spades, wheelbarrows, hoses, forklifts, backhoes, and trolley.

What safety equipment may be required?

Safety equipment may include signage and barriers.

What enterprise specifications for quality may apply to this standard?

Enterprise specifications for quality may include the shape of plant, vigour, colour, height, and the absence of pests and diseases.

What accessories and materials may be used for the preparation of plant displays?

Accessories and materials may include sculptures, rocks, water, surface and edge treatments, garden furniture, nursery products, signage, stands, boxes, fabrics and other decorative materials.

What OHS requirements are relevant to this standard?

OHS requirements may include cleaning, maintaining and storing tools, equipment and machinery; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection, drinking to avoid dehydration, safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery, correct manual handling, basic first aid, personal hygiene and reporting problems to supervisors.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.