How to identify your landscaping and horticulture skills

First, know what you're great at

Before you do anything else, grab a pen and paper and list every skill you have related to working outdoors. This simple exercise is the foundation of your business, helping you decide what services to offer and how to market yourself. Think broadly across four main areas: gardening, construction, design, and project management.

What to list

Don't be shy – write down everything you can think of, even if it seems small. Consider these categories:

• Gardening & Plant Knowledge: Are you an expert on herbaceous perennials? Do you know the science behind perfect lawn care? List specific skills like pruning, identifying plant diseases, or vegetable growing.
• Hard Landscaping & Construction: Think about your building skills. This could be anything from fencing and decking to more specialist abilities like stonemasonry or bricklaying. Can you operate a mini-digger or a cement mixer?
• Design & Planning: Can you sketch a garden layout? Do you have an eye for colour and texture in planting schemes? Perhaps you're good at interpreting a client's vague idea into a concrete plan.
• Business & Project Management: Skills like creating quotes, managing your time, and communicating with clients are just as important as the hands-on work.

By identifying your specialist skills, you can start to build a brand that stands out. For example, instead of just being a 'gardener', you could be the local expert in 'wildlife-friendly garden design' or 'expert patio and paving installation'. This list is your starting point for building a truly unique business.