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Garden centre / plant area worker

A garden or plant centre worker assists in managing the store and looking after all the horticultural elements of the business

Training, qualifications and skills A well-rounded knowledge of horticulture is essential. If you're just starting out, working in a garden centre will help develop your knowledge quickly.

To progress to management levels, formal qualifications really help and ensure you have the best tools to help your team and business excel.
Career progression opportunities Group buyer, centre manager, operations manager, director
Useful links Horticultural Trades Association

Focus on: Assistant store manager

Jack Shilley
Rosebourne
Full time, salary up to £35k
Aldermaston, Berkshire

I absolutely love my job. I’ve worked in horticultural retail all my working life. I love the vast diversity of plants that I get to work with. I order and look after the stock for the store as well as group-buy for the other centres.

The customers are a huge part of my enjoyment at work and provide me with an outlet to share my passion and inspire others to creat their own beautiful gardens at home.

Start by finding a job in a garden centre for a few hours per week and take it from there.
 

I started my career with a Saturday job and worked my way up. I’ve since achieved a level 3 extended diploma and a MHort qualifications.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.