The secret
Let’s get the secret out of the way right in the first paragraph. I know that some of you are very busy. The secret to Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturist exam success is to do everything in the field!
Since the exam covers three areas-common core, maintenance and construction-you need to stretch yourself. Do every single task and try to master all skills. You will be tested on your experience, not just your knowledge, which is why the questions are worded to test your experience.
One example is the Siberian iris. You might be asked if it’s planted for spring foliage or summer flowers. Now, if you’ve never seen or planted Siberian irises, you’re guessing. So go plant some irises.
“Stretching” sucks
Stretching yourself isn’t comfortable. It’s not supposed to be. It’s designed to take you to places you’ve never been or don’t really want to go. Let’s examine my morning today, as an example.
This is the problem: the stepping stones are uneven and an elderly woman who relies on a walker to get around, uses the gate on the right. So, that’s the problem.
Now, I had to fix it but I detest doing hardscaping. I prefer soft installations with soil, mulch or plants. I detest road crush and heavy stepping stones. But I did it. Really, I had no choice. And if you hope to ace your Red Seal exam, I suggest you embrace projects like this. Let them stretch you and challenge you. Don’t call in sick.
The job
The actual work isn’t very exciting. Your job is to level off the stepping stones; and add 3/8 road crush. As I worked, I tested out my new foam knee pads and they saved my knees from a lot of abuse. If you do install work like this, definitely spend the $8 on a pair of foam knee pads.
Once you’re happy with the walkway level, don’t forget to gently blow off the stones. The road crush on top of stepping stones constitutes a falling hazard.
Pro tip: gentle watering makes the road crush solid. I skipped this step.
Same day feedback
The owner e-mailed saying she was thrilled to have the walkway level again, just hours after I had completed the job. It’s been a struggle for her mother who relies on a walker to get around.
So you see, you can make people happy and improve their lives as you stretch yourself on the way to Red Seal glory. Be great!
