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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify the issue
   • Initiate contact with the client when appropriate
   • Assist the client in explaining the issue by using attentive listening and questioning techniques
   • Clarify the nature of the issue by gathering all relevant information from the client
   • Define the issue as closely as possible according to the amount of information gathered
   • Advise the client that expert advice may be required to assist them further with their issue
2. Decide on preferred solution
   • Identify and develop options and strategies using available in-house and online reference material, product information, own experiences and sharing collective workplace knowledge
   • Examine and evaluate options and strategies using sound problem-solving techniques
   • Determine the optimal solution based on reasoned argument, appropriate evidence and sound cultural principles
3. Provide the preferred solution
   • Explain the recommended solution, method of application and probable outcomes to the client
   • Refer to the original source of the plant and its cultural requirements where necessary
   • Respond to client requests for clarification or expansion by the use of attentive listening and questioning techniques

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

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:

develop product knowledge through research and access to in-house and online information

interpret information sheets, labels, horticultural literature, specifications and design symbols

investigate requests for information, identify and evaluate options, decide on a solution, and deliver recommendation and information to the client

select plants from a range of available stock lists

communicate with clients, work team members, supervisors, suppliers, contractors and consultants

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles of plant culture

broad range of plant species and their cultural requirements

duty of care in provision of advice and recommendations to retail, commercial and private clients

local plant suppliers, consultants, services, products and contractors

pest and disease symptoms, basic physiology and life cycle of pests and diseases, vulnerable plant growth stages, treatment thresholds, treatment products, effective application procedures and environmental implications

plant identification techniques, plant selection, plant physiology, habit and growth characteristics of the plants

soil characteristics particularly in relation to the local region

weed species, growth stages, treatment thresholds, treatment products, effective application procedures and environmental implications

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