PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY OF A GARDENER: ANALYSIS OF CRITERIA AND PROSPECTS FOR EXPERTS IN THE FIELD OF GARDEN AND PARK MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The article explores the evolution and current state of the gardening profession, analyses the historical aspects of gardening, emphasising its transition from traditional methods to modern approaches using the latest technologies, highlights the importance of gardening in creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing environments, and considers various areas of activity in this field, including design, creation, propagation of plants and care of green spaces. The main focus is on the role of the gardener in the modern urban landscape and his or her ability to influence the environmental sustainability and cultural enrichment of the urban environment. The article demonstrates how gardening has influenced the landscape and how, in turn, the landscape has shaped human society. Changes in landscape design and gardening caused by technological progress and environmental issues are emphasised. The skills and competencies required for modern gardeners, according to the Ukrainian standard of higher education for the speciality "Gardening", are outlined. These include knowledge in specialised fields of science, the ability to design, create and maintain park facilities. The need for mastery of modern technologies, ecological approaches to design, and an understanding of the complexity of working with plants in urban and rural environments is emphasised. Various areas of landscape gardening are analysed, including the propagation of ornamental plants, design, creation and comprehensive care of landscape gardening facilities. Highlights the key differences between the gardeners of the 18th and 19th centuries and modern gardeners, emphasising the need for a broader set of skills, technological knowledge and an ecological approach. Attention is focused on the importance of landscape architecture in urban planning and its contribution to creating a healthy, sustainable environment. The article concludes that the modern sphere of landscape gardening plays a key role in creating a sustainable, green, comfortable environment for people and nature, highlighting the importance of cooperation between different specialists to achieve this goal.