Contestants from around New Zealand gathered at Dunedin’s Nichol’s Garden Centre yesterday as they competed for the title of Young Landscaper of the Year.
Beyond the practical components of landscaping, the contestants had to complete written tests, interviews and perform speeches to an audience of judges.
Cash prizes would be handed out to the top three contestant along with various tools and products provided by their sponsors.
Auckland contestant Sam Fisher said he had been doing landscaping for just two and a-half years.
"I actually studied down here in Otago and got a business degree, did the corporate thing for a couple of years, wasn’t happy. So, I was like, I need to get outside and get into a trade and I ended up in landscaping."
He appreciated the variation of the job and described his corporate job as "a bit like Groundhog Day; spreadsheets, sale calls, it’s the same thing everyday".
Although it was something he would do everyday, he explained that "when someone’s standing there with a notepad, you just forget everything".
Third generation landscaper and contestant Caleb Washington felt a similar appreciation for landscaping.
"Everything we do is bespoke and hasn’t been done before. We’re always pushing the limits. As much as you work up a plan, you have to make it up as you go and really back yourself and work off your team."
Landscaping was an elaborate process that involved planning, designing, paving, construction, planting and maintenance.
"Everyone thinks we just plant plants and mulch, and weed gardens. We like to think of ourselves as a jack of all trades," he said.
Master Landscaper’s board member Ollie Newman said the day had been a "bloody awesome success".
"We want to make sure that the industry is always going to be in safe hands and we can look forward to the future and train our young guys to be leaders and have that control, it’s bloody good times."
The winner is set to be announced at the Landscapes of Distinction awards ceremony at the town hall tonight.
