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

Competence in designing plant displays requires evidence that a person can plan and document a display to incorporate the aesthetic, environmental and physical attributes of the site, determine appropriate time-lines for the process, choose appropriate plants and materials, and supervise the installation and maintenance.

The skills and knowledge required to design the display must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, it must be evident that a display could be set up in a garden, office, shopping complex or other site with varying aesthetic, environmental and physical attributes.

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:

site evaluation techniques

principles of garden design

characteristics of a range of plants used in plant displays

growth and maintenance requirements of plants in natural and artificial environments

botanical names and classification of a range of plants commonly used in plant displays

processes and techniques for preparing, costing and documenting plans for plant displays

industry codes of practice

horticultural conventions for design plans.

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 in writing and document plans to supervisors and clients

calculate cost of materials and installation of display

estimate quantities of materials required

communicate orally for presenting information to, and negotiating with, management/clients

research and analyse information about plant and materials specifications, cultural requirements and environmental requirements

evaluate sites/locations to determine the effect of aesthetic, environmental and physical attributes on nature of display

use computer assisted design packages.

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 (3) be applied?

Information about site evaluation, design options, plantings and construction details should be communicated with management/client in both written and oral presentation. There is likely to be negotiation between the designer and management/client to achieve objectives.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (3)?

Some information may need to be researched or obtained from suppliers or clients. Information addressing the specific requirements of the design should be analysed, and outcomes discussed with management/client and other members of the work team. Information documenting details of the design should be organised and presented as a scaled site/location plan, with written planting schedule and construction details.

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

The planning and design process should proceed in an orderly and efficient manner. Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decision-making. The design plan should reflect the activities required to implement the display.

4. How can team work (3) be applied?

Designing plant displays may involve working with other members of a team to complete and achieve the program outcomes.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (3) be applied?

Mathematical concepts may be used to calculate areas, project resources and program costs, and measure distances.

6. How can problem-solving skills (3) be applied?

Problems relating to client preferences and requirements, site limitations, availability of materials, workplace safety, team members, inclement weather, or services may arise during the design, installation and maintenance of the display.

7. How can the use of technology (3) be applied?

Technology may be required to record, store and communicate information. It may also be used to research relevant information and obtain and analyse data from site/location evaluation.

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 types of concepts may be required by customers?

Concepts may include purpose of display, location, size, cost, length of time the display is required, and restrictions on display.

What types of plant displays may be relevant to this standard?

Plant displays may include functions, events, internal or external displays, exhibitions, competitions, and plantscapes.

What aestheticattributes may impact on the display plan?

Aesthetic attributes may include sculptures, surrounding internal and/or external buildings, views and vistas.

What environmentalattributes may impact on the display plan?

Environmental attributes may include existing vegetation, trees, aspect, and light.

What physicalattributes may impact on the display plan?

Physical attributes may include existing vegetation, garden structures, pavements, watercourses, water bodies, public access areas including those required for delivery and storage of materials, and access for construction.

What time-lines need to be considered when planning a display?

Time lines may include duration of display required and when display needs to be completed.

What common horticultural conventions should be incorporated in the display plan?

Common horticultural conventions may include hard landscape features, soft landscape features; scaled drawings; construction details which may include sketches of accessory assembly such as paving, edging, planting; written information on implementation of construction and maintenance such as watering, fertilising, pruning; botanic names and plant positions; plantings showing height, spread, pot sizes, and quantity of species.

What plant characteristics may need to be considered when selecting plants for the display?

Plant characteristics may include colour of flowers and foliage, texture, size of plant, longevity, portability, seasonality, heritage, indigenous, exotic, hardiness, shape of plant, and foliage.

What accessories might be relevant for display purposes?

Accessories may include garden furniture, rocks, water, landscape structures and features, artificial lighting, surface and edge treatments.

What quality standards may apply to the selection of plants and materials?

Quality standards may include size, shape, colour of leaves and flowers, absence of pests and diseases, number of flowers, and density of foliage.

What might be involved in the maintenance of the display?

Maintenance of the display may include control of internal environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and light; irrigation, nutrition, pest and disease management, removing unsightly plants or plant material, and removing rubbish from display area.

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

OHS requirements may include identifying hazards; assessing risks and implementing controls; cleaning, maintaining and storing equipment and machinery; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection; safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; basic first aid; personal hygiene, and reporting problems.

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