Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of the installation and maintenance work associated with plant displays and defines the standard required to: select suitable plants for a range of plant display purposes; undertake routine regular maintenance of plants in a display; identify symptoms of plant cultural problems; analyse cost benefit of replacing/reviving plants.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of installation and maintenance work associated with plant displays in a diverse range of situations, buildings and structures and a wide range of locations in urban and regional areas. Installing and maintaining plant displays applies to permanent, semi-permanent and temporary displays of plant life under a range of gardening, exhibition, visual merchandising, marketing and commercial leasing and hiring activities.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Assess requirements for plantscaping

1.1. Access factors are assessed and recorded prior to installation.

1.2. Environmental parameters are assessed and recorded prior to installation.

1.3. Light sources in regard to both plant growth and client requirements are noted and light meter readings taken for interior installations and recorded.

1.4. Site conditions and constraints are analysed for plant suitability and results are recorded.

1.5. Plants are selected to meet the requirements of the site according to the results recorded.

2. Install containerised and direct planted specimens

2.1. Materials, equipment and machinery required for the job are identified and scheduled according to a given plan or specifications.

2.2. Personnel required for the job are identified and scheduled.

2.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls implemented.

2.4. Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used and maintained.

2.5. Plants are installed securely, are presented well, are accessible for routine maintenance and conform to the plan or specifications.

2.6. Damaged or unnecessary material is pruned to enhance the presentation.

2.7. Plants are watered and fertilised as required according to enterprise policy.

2.8. The site is left in a clean and tidy state.

3. Maintain plants

3.1. The symptoms of under and over-watering are detected and actioned according to the maintenance agreement.

3.2. The symptoms of low and high light intensity are detected and rectified.

3.3. The symptoms of low and high fertiliser concentration are detected and the pH of the growing medium is measured where required and amended as required.

3.4. Insects, pests and diseases associated with plants are detected and controlled as required.

3.5. Appearance of plants is enhanced according to the maintenance agreement.

3.6. The cost benefit of reviving or replacing plants is determined in line with site requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• select a range of plants used for displays
• interpret plans and specifications, and product labels
• calculate numbers of plants and materials
• detect and control pests and diseases
• identify symptoms of plant cultural problems
• calculate rates of chemicals
• determine spatial measurements of plantscape
• analyse cost benefit
• interpret test results as required
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• characteristics and attributes of a range of plants used for plantscaping
• plant growth requirements
• light and moisture tolerance/intolerance for common plant species
• photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient uptake and growth rate for plants
• acclimatisation techniques for plants
• commonly occurring problems with plantscaping
• options for remedial action.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• select suitable plants for a range of plant display purposes
• prepare a site for a plant display
• create a designed display
• undertake routine regular maintenance of plants in a display
• deconstruct or knock down a plant display.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Displays may include:

• displays for merchandising
• functions
• annual bedding displays
• herbaceous perennial displays
• indoor presentations.

Plant displays may include:

• containerised or direct planted installations.

Unit sector 

Nursery

Co-requisite units 

Competency field