Flowers and Plants

Flowers and Plants Information

A couple of years ago I was out of work. I was at the point where I was willing to take on pretty much any sort of job, provided it paid well and had regular hours. One job posting that caught my eye was for the city. They were seeking to hire Gardeners on a full-time basis. I looked over the ad, mostly out of curiosity and I was surprised to find that I had most of the qualifications they were looking for, without even stretching it too much. So, I decided to apply.

As a kid, I spent countless hours helping my parents in their huge gardens. I would help with weeding mostly, but also had the opportunity to try my hand planting flowers and plants. I learned a little bit here and a little bit there about annuals and perennials, types of soils and proper irrigation. It's really quite amazing what you can pick up as a kid, without even trying!

I sat down to fill out the job application. I was required to detail my experience and to express a willingness to undergo some specialized training upon employment. I was at the point that I was willing to agree to pretty much anything that would pay the bills! I submitted my application a couple of days before the deadline and continued on my way.

I figured I had nothing to lose by applying. I felt relatively confident in my expertise and experience, even if it was only working for my parents in our garden at home as a kid. I did know quite a bit about flowersandplants, when I really thought about it, so I decided to just wait and see what would come of sending in my application.

Flowers and Plants - Tips and Advice

A few weeks later I was pleasantly surprised by a phone call. The City called me to arrange a time for me to write a knowledge test and for a personal interview. Somehow, I wasn't stressed out at all. I didn't even bother to brush up on my knowledge until the morning of the test and interview. I just popped online and google searched for information on flowersandplants. The first site I visited offered a wealth of information, written in layman's terms. I have a relatively good memory and made a few notes on types of perennials, soil types, shade plants and other miscellaneous information that I felt might be helpful when writing the test. Then I was on my way.

I arrived a few minutes early and was ushered in to a room with six other people around a large desk. We were given a three page examination and an hour and a half to complete it. I was delighted to find that the very information I had studied, was the type of information needed for this test. Although, I took the time to double check all my answers resulting in my being the last person to finish, I still felt pretty confident in the outcome of the exam.

Next, I was asked to meet with three individuals - one was a Foreman, one an Administrator and the third a Manager. I was quite at ease during the interview. I had little difficulty answering their questions and was completely forthright when explaining that the bulk of my experience was on my parents farm. The interview went very well, and I went home with a feeling of confidence.

That very evening I was contacted with a job offer and I started my Gardener position the very next week!

In truth, I have a slightly above average knowledge of flowers and plants. However, having the presence of mind to think beyond my traditional work experience really panned out in this situation.

I had an absolute blast that summer and will always remember my Gardener stint with fondness.