Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select and specify landscape plants in a range of industries to provide information and advice to a client or organisation.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop a client brief | 1.1 Discuss and clarify the needs and objectives of the client 1.2 Identify purposes of the landscape and the client’s expectations 1.3 Establish the criteria for plant selection 1.4 Consult with client to finalise agreement of the brief |
2. Determine the suitability of a plant for a purpose | 2.1 Inspect the site and determine the planting area 2.2 Select species and cultivars for the size and aspect and the site 2.3 Consider and apply environmental conditions to the functional characteristics of the plant 2.4 Determine the suitability of the soil for the plants selected 2.5 Evaluate the selection of the plant and document the rationale for plant selection |
3. Select plants | 3.1 Select plants as outlined in the client brief and according to their suitability for the intended purpose 3.2 Determine plant function for the precise location within the plan 3.3 Make recommendations for soil improvements for the selected plant species 3.4 Match species and cultivars appropriately to the determined selection criteria for species’ specific characteristics 3.5 Identify plant species appropriate for the site 3.6 Research relevant reference sources 3.7 Recommend plant species or cultivars for replacement or new plantings 3.8 Document plant selections, selection criteria and notes on quality expectations as specifications |
4. Specify plants | 4.1 Evaluate selection criteria for mature plants against capability and availability of transplanted plants 4.2 Assess final selections against the specified soil, site location and client brief and confirm 4.3 Assess selected plants for quality and quantities outlined in the specifications 4.4 Check materials, soils and growing media for specified quality 4.5 Document records of quality checks on delivered plants and product |
5. Correlate and present a report | 5.1 Document a report of the process and incorporate the correlated records 5.2 Present the client or organisation with the report |
Evidence of Performance
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 a client brief on client’s needs, objectives and expectations, the purpose of the landscape and plant selection criteria
compile a database of plant specimens and characteristics
conduct site inspections and site assessments
evaluate and determine plant selections
identify and select from a range of plants appropriate to the site
research reference sources
select and appraise soils and growing media
use comparative techniques
assess quality of plants and materials meet specifications
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of specifying plants for landscapes
basic physiology and life cycle of pests and diseases
botany, plant morphology, physiology, taxonomy and nomenclature
methods of data capture
plant identification techniques
soil characteristics particularly in relation to the local region
soils appraisal techniques
symptoms of plant pests and diseases
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Plants culture and management (PCM)