iam volunteering at a not-for-profit place looking after plants and animals. i know afew of the names of some of the plants definatly not the scientic names. Because i find it hard to remember these names and they change all the time aparently, would that hinder my chances of getting an apprentiship or other job in this field?
2007-03-21 01:13:38 · 5 answers · asked by ஐButterfly Effectஐ 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
First of all you are capable of learning the plant names, if you have an interest and desire to do so. It comes with time and practice. This you will get on the job or in school.
To persue a career in horticulture I would suggest that you get some training. Most state universities have both two and four year programs. Once in a program - you will most likley be required or encouraged to get a internship to broaden you experience.
If school is out of the question - I would at least suggest you look for a master gardener program in your area. You can learn a lot if you are motivated.
As far a getting a job without any training - There should be plenty of low level, manual jobs in horticulture, either at a nursery or for a landsacpe company. If you are hard working, and show up on time each day you would be qualified. Speaking spanish would be a big bonus in this.
Once you are in school or in a hort job you will learn your plant names, both common and scientific. It comes from repetiton. I made up flash cards to help learn and remember the names. I also used word association tricks. For example the Osage Orange is Maclura pomifera. I remember this because there was a girl in highschool named Cathy Maclure. She was on the pom pom squad.
The most important thing is that you have a passion for your work. If you have passion, and work hard you will have no problems.
Good Luck
2007-03-21 01:56:40 · answer #1 · answered by The Plant Hunter 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it would hinder your chances if you have other strengths. I knew very little when I got a job at a local nursery years ago. I happen to be good at remembering names, other people are good at identifying diseases, some are strong and helpful. There are a lot of things to do. A way to help yourself would be find a gardening book that relates to your area and just look things up, even repeatedly and it might help your memory. I just made a little list of things to look up after I got home from work and eventually these names started to stick in my mind.
If you have a good attitude and true interest in horticulture, there is probably a place you would fit in.
2007-03-21 10:26:03 · answer #2 · answered by plaplant8 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sarah you sound like a busy lady.if you have the time take a course in horticulture.i went to school at night and worked on the job during the day,so i was getting a lot of info.but i enjoyed this type of work.the scientic names never change it's the common names that change from place to place [like a sycmore tree has so many common names] .the flash cards is a good idea. work with someone that know the busness they are a wealth of information .good luck I wish you well !!!
2007-03-21 09:37:01 · answer #3 · answered by Steve C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should try to get to your local library and see if you can get a couple of books out to help you in field study for the purposes of identification --- don't be so troubled that don't know the scientific name --- for most people you might talk to about plants won't know tha jargon neither .
go ta local nursery --if you have one --- and the question that like to do an apprenticeship in horticulture ( tell them where you are and what voluntary work you do etc ) if that cant' work out see if you can do a course at a TAFE college ( which is a further education college that you might be able to the course at your level . any how give it a go --- and just as a footnote plants don't change their names --- it's just that there different species of them . good luck
2007-03-21 09:00:50 · answer #4 · answered by bill g 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you are interested in this area, you can learn the names. It helps a great deal to know the proper botanical names.
They don't change all the time by the way, not even that frequently.
Just get a book and practice.. use the name instead of the common name as often as you can.
You can do this.
2007-03-21 09:27:31 · answer #5 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are studying landscaping or horticulture it should not affect you on getting a apprenticeship ........however you do need to learn the scientific names in order to pass the courses.
Good Luck to you! Landscaping is one of the fastest growing businesses in the US
2007-03-21 09:06:30 · answer #6 · answered by LucySD 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋