Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
Mark Watkins

Mark Watkins

Newton Ferrers,Devon

Summary

Skilled Landscape Gardener with solid background in diverse garden designs, installations and maintenance. Strengths include knowledge of plant care, effective use of space, and environmental sustainability practices. Previous work has consistently resulted in improved aesthetic appeal, enhanced biodiversity and increased client satisfaction.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Landscape Gardener/Business Owner

'Fine Gardening' (Self Employed)
South Hams , Devon
03.2014 - Current
  • Designed and maintained diverse plant installations for residential and commercial properties.
  • Operated landscaping tools and equipment for efficient garden care and maintenance.
  • Collaborated with clients to create tailored landscape designs meeting their preferences.
  • Executed lawn care tasks including mowing, trimming, and fertilization for optimal growth.
  • Supervised junior staff during landscaping projects, ensuring proper techniques were followed.
  • Assessed soil quality and made recommendations for amendments to enhance plant health.
  • Planned seasonal planting schedules based on climate conditions and plant requirements.
  • Maintained inventory of plants, tools, and materials to ensure project readiness at all times.
  • Used hand tools such as shovels, rakes, hoes, for various tasks around the landscape garden.
  • Performed regular maintenance on equipment used in the landscape garden.
  • Maintained existing landscapes by pruning, weeding and fertilizing plants.
  • Provided guidance on proper care of plants such as trimming, mowing and watering schedules.
  • Applied pesticides and herbicides to control weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.
  • Transplanted trees and shrubs from one area to another within a property.
  • Ensured compliance with all safety regulations while performing work duties.
  • Communicated effectively with clients about project progress updates or changes required.
  • Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding landscaping projects.
  • Created planting beds for trees, shrubs and flowers according to plans or specifications.
  • Inspected properties regularly to identify potential problems with soil composition or drainage issues.
  • Planned and designed outdoor living spaces, including patios, decks, pathways and water features.
  • Coordinated with other contractors for installation of materials needed for landscaping jobs.
  • Monitored irrigation systems for efficient operation throughout the season.
  • Pruned trees and bushes to improve visibility and shape.
  • Cared for grounds by mulching, aerating, and edging around flower beds and walkways.
  • Checked machinery and performed routine maintenance to prevent malfunction.
  • Led garden restoration projects, reviving neglected areas through strategic planning and care.
  • Trained new gardeners on proper gardening techniques, tool use, and safety procedures.
  • Collaborated with landscape architects and designers to bring complex garden projects to fruition.
  • Assisted in the selection and purchase of plants, gardening supplies, and equipment within budget constraints.
  • Built or maintained greenhouses, fences or benches,

Lawn Care Business Owner

Self Employed
The Mendips , Somerset
04.2002 - 03.2014
  • Managed daily lawn care operations and scheduled service appointments.
  • Trained new employees on safe equipment use and best practices in lawn care.
  • Conducted property assessments to evaluate lawn health and recommend treatments.
  • Oversaw inventory management for supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels at all times.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive lawn care plan tailored to each customer's needs.
  • Applied fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides according to best practices and safety standards.

Contract Manager

Wyevale Landscapes
South East
04.1998 - 04.2002
  • Managed contract negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors for landscaping projects including daily liaison with local authority representatives, landscape architects and suppliers throughout the term of the contract.
  • Sourced and arranged delivery to site all relevant supplies and materials for each contract.
  • Sourced local subcontractors or utilized domestic labor in accordance with program requirements.
  • Ensured that such labour undertook the work strictly in accordance with the requirements of the specification.

Site Manager

Chew Valley Trees
Chew Magna , Somerset
01.1989 - 04.1997
  • Managed weekly work programmes
  • Ensured adequate resources were available on sites and managed accordingly
  • Daily liaison with external suppliers, sub contractors, management and staff
  • Design of soft landscaping in domestic gardens
  • Managed a variety of Woodland Grant Scheme open days, supervising 100+ volunteers.

Education

BTec Electronics

Brunel College
Bristol
06-1991

O Levels

Chew Valley Comprehensive
Chew Magna, Somerset
06-1987

Professional Qualifications

Skills

  • Design expertise
  • Plant maintenance
  • Irrigation management
  • Soil assessment
  • Landscaping design
  • Customer relationship management
  • Project coordination
  • Garden restoration
  • Tree planting
  • Plant identification
  • Heavy equipment operation

Affiliations

  • Married father of three with 2 dogs. Hobbies include motorbikes, travel, shooting and rugby.

Certification

  • PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Licences
  • Chainsaw Licence
  • Basic First Aid
  • CITB Plant Operators Licence
  • Gun Licence

Accomplishments

  • Part of a team that achieved Gold at the Chelsea Flower Show
  • Restoration of an estate in Dartmouth

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Landscape Gardener/Business Owner

'Fine Gardening' (Self Employed)
03.2014 - Current

Lawn Care Business Owner

Self Employed
04.2002 - 03.2014

Contract Manager

Wyevale Landscapes
04.1998 - 04.2002

Site Manager

Chew Valley Trees
01.1989 - 04.1997

BTec Electronics

Brunel College

O Levels

Chew Valley Comprehensive

Professional Qualifications

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Mark Watkins