Plant identification skills are very important for landscape professionals so I never miss the plant ID contest at the CanWest Hort Show. It usually goes smoothly until it gets down to the last two specimens. Last year the last two perennials looked like something stepped on them. This year, the last two specimens didn’t have flowers so you had to know their foliage.
Plant list
You get the plant list and you match the specimen number to your plant choice. Easy. First, I like to do a quick scan. I look at the list to see how many plants I recognize before even looking at the pots.
You can also scan the pots first to eliminate the plants you know for sure. And if you don’t know some, perfect! You will learn something today.
The only drawback is that I don’t have any prizes for you. Your reward will be better plant ID skills.
Specimens
The pots are numbered 1-25 and shot on my humble iPhone6.
Good luck!
Well, how did you do? As for me, I struggled with 12 and 20. The rest was easy.
This exam is a fun contest but it actually simulates the plant ID test station that’s part of the Landscape Industry Certified program test. Except there the station is set-up as a secret tent to discourage candidates from peeking in at the specimens.
When you walk in you get a clip board and thirty minutes to identify all of the specimens. The examiner stays with you to make sure you’re not getting help from Google.
Remember, there is money on the line but it comes later. Like when you’re certified and your employer falls in love with your work and knowledge.
A little plug
If you’re a landscaper based in BC you could benefit from my plant e-book available on Amazon. It’s called “Common strata plants” and it covers the basic 100+ plants you will encounter in our landscapes. Check it out.
