Maintain and develop established plant displays

This standard is for those who maintain and develop established plant displays, which could include interior or exterior displays. This could include formal bedding, hanging baskets and other containers, shrubs/bushes, climbers, mixed borders or rock gardens.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold certification in accordance with relevant legislation.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. inspect established plant displays and confirm they match specifications
2. identify suitable methods to promote plant health within an established plant display
3. select, use and maintain the required tools and equipment safely and correctly
4. maintain established plant displays in a way that is appropriate to the plants, their environmental conditions and the overall visual impact
5. provide plants with support where required to maintain and develop growth and appearance
6. remove weeds and unwanted plant material to promote healthy growth
7. use suitable methods to deal with pests, diseases and disorders correctly when maintaining and developing established plant displays
8. use suitable methods to promote and maintain healthy growth of plants
9. dispose of or recycle waste and excess materials safely and correctly in accordance with legal requirements and to minimise environmental risk
10. restore the site to a clean and tidy condition following the maintenance of established plant displays
11. maintain and develop established plant displays in a manner which prevents damage to the surrounding area
12. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

1. why it is important to maintain and develop the appearance of established plant displays
2. why it is important to check the condition of established plants according to agreed schedules
3. how the seasons may affect the way you maintain established plant displays
4. signs of damage and threats to the health of plants within established displays
5. how to respond to signs of damage and threats to the health of plants within established displays
6. the impact of the stages of plant development on the maintenance of established plant displays
7. the impact of soil conditions on plant growth within established plant displays
8. how to water and feed plants to develop their condition in their environment
9. the effects of different types of fertilisers and their safe use in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
10. safe use of the chemicals you can use for pest, disease and weed control in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
11. cultural methods of improving the health and vigour of plants within established plant displays
12. the effects of base-dressing, top dressing and liquid feeding to the maintenance and development of established plant displays
13. how to select and use the required tools and equipment safely and correctly to maintain and develop established plant displays
14. how to select and remove unwanted plant material in a way which maintains and develops the visual impact of the established display
15. how the positioning of plants and labels maintains and develops the visual impact of the established display
16. how support methods continue to support the plants' growth and appearance within the established display
17. why it is important to keep working areas clean and tidy during the maintenance and development of established plant displays
18. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal requirements and organisational practices
19. the importance of restoring the plant display site to a clean and tidy condition
20. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to minimise the impact of your work on the environment
21. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

A.     maintain the following types of established plant displays:

1. temporary
2. permanent

B.    maintain and develop the following established plant displays:

1. formal bedding
2. hanging baskets
3. other containers
4. wall shrubs
5. climbers
6. mixed borders
7. plants for rock gardens
8. plants for ponds

C.    carry out the following maintenance operations for established plant displays:

1. cleaning 
2. providing support
3. replacement of plants, features or containers
4. pruning     

D.    maintain and develop the appearance and health of the following types of plant:

1. tropical 
2. temperate
3. shade lovers
4. sun lovers

E.    identify and deal with the following threats to the health of established plants:

1. pests 
2. diseases 
3. disorders 
4. unfavourable conditions
5. competing growth

F.    use the following methods to promote the health of established plants:

1. feeding 
2. watering
3. surface cultivation
4. mulching

Controlling pests, diseases and weeds by cultural and chemical methods using manual and powered equipment.

Instructions: verbal or written.

Methods to promote plant health: feeding, watering, surface cultivation, mulching.

Methods of dealing with threats to plant health: physical, chemical, cultural, irrigation.

Maintain and develop displays to achieve health, vigour and overall decorative effect through watering by hand and using rotary and oscillating sprinklers, applying nutrients in both dry and liquid form by hand and using distributors.

Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.

Threats to plant health: pests, diseases, disorders, unfavourable conditions, competing growth.