Sorry, I was a bit cryptic there. What I meant to say was to look at what COULD be done when it was raining and add that to your offerings. That means that whatever the weather you could shuffle stuff around and still work.

When you go self-employed you ALWAYS worry about not getting any work. The way I cover it is by having a broader scope so I can hit more opportunities.

I should also say that I don't worry too much. If you worry about it loads then it may not be for you - no point having a shoite time just to be self-employed...

...summat always turns up (my motto), but that doesn't always work and some people can't live like that.

I would test the market a bit - ask around - hello Mr Smith, if I was available to do (insert whatever) would you be interested sort of thing. Think about prices - they'll ask. If most people say fook off then review the plan...but if a lot say yes you could be onto a winner

Originally Posted by smirnoff_rules

why do u think its a good time ? theres fook all out there m8 .. l work for lots of small companies , grass cutter landscapers chippys and so on ,, theres on there arses m8 .. in birmingham anyway

Who said I thought it was??? Fact is many start-ups occur in recession BBC NEWS | Business | Why recession can be good time to start business

Furthermore, those that do are usually well-placed to survive the next one because they already have all the tools - they've been through a recession before and they can see the shoite coming.

There are ALWAYS opportunities M8, they are just harder to find right now...but there's less competition too

Originally Posted by Him Her

Who said I thought it was??? Fact is many start-ups occur in recession BBC NEWS | Business | Why recession can be good time to start business

Furthermore, those that do are usually well-placed to survive the next one because they already have all the tools - they've been through a recession before and they can see the shoite coming.

There are ALWAYS opportunities M8, they are just harder to find right now...but there's less competition too

u said it lol

As an add-on, funny thing about recessions, it's a good time to start a business...

Googled and found this for Gav thought it mat give some ideas. A lot of the stuff can be done in rain ect.
Landscape Gardener

Landscape gardeners do the physical work of constructing a garden. Their work will involve soil shaping and preparation, planting plants, and a host of other tasks that may vary from job to job. These other tasks may include such things as:
•Laying Drainage
•Installing irrigation systems
•Paving
•Building Walls, Fences, Pergolas, Decks, Sheds, or any other structures
•Constructing water features
•Installing seats, tables, BBQ’s, Statues, etc.


Opportunities

Many landscape gardeners work for a small business with only 2-5 employees, either as the owner or one of a small number of employees.

Some find permanent employment in a larger organization (eg. a government parks department, large estate, or large building company).

Whilst some workplaces do offer a career structure with opportunities for advancement, most workplaces are unlikely to offer opportunities to be promoted to higher and higher positions, Landscape gardeners more commonly would learn their skills initially in a small organization, and them advance by moving on to either running their own business, or becoming a supervisor in a larger organization.



Who Employs Landscape Gardeners

-Most are self employed

-Project Managers

-Others are employed by Local Government Parks Departments, Large Estates (eg. Historic Properties such as the National Trust in the UK; Roads Departments, National Parks Authorities; Major Resorts, Large Property Development Companies, Zoos, etc.)



How to Distinguish Yourself from the Competition.

Most landscape managers value a sound knowledge of soils and plants, so a solid training in the fundamentals of horticulture and in particular plant identification will be a first step toward differentiating yourself from the landscapers labourer.


Beyond this certain skills are in demand with certain types of employers


The ability to construct from either wood or masonry (and preferably both), is a skill that is always in demand. Carpenters or at least people trained in woodwork to some degree will have an advantage in this industry.


Landscape gardeners need to understand tools and machinery and how to use them. They need to understand different types of materials as well.


Some landscape gardeners find their niche by offering specialist services (eg. Brick paving, building decks, water gardens, Rock wall construction etc). With a specialist skill and a sound reputation, you may forge a successful career as a sub contractor working for other landscapers, creating those components of their gardens which you do well.

Industry Bodies

Joining an industry body is not usually essential; but it can more often than not be beneficial to a career or a small business.


Professional institutes and Trade associations are useful to join, for:
•Networking with other professionals
•Staying up to date
•PR/ Marketing Advantages



Remuneration

Remuneration can vary from place to place and time to time.

Some landscape gardeners earn well above the average wage; and some well below.

Often landscape gardeners earn a very basic rate of pay, and not much more than a laborer, when working in a large organization or government department. Even self employed landscapers at times may not earn a particularly high income.

Industry organizations may set recommended rates of pay; but frequently adherence to those rates may not necessarily be controlled (depends on the country).

Good landscapers are however prized and people in wealthier countries will pay top money for the best work.



Career Risks & Stresses

Every job has certain risks associated with it.


Landscape gardeners face all the same risks as any other businessman when self employed.


Even when working for someone else; the job is a physical one and an outdoor job; and those facts bring with them a risk of injury or health problems that some other jobs might not have.


Insurance

Investigate Professional Indemnity Insurance and any other necessary insurances. The situation does vary from country to country (and time to time), but the issue of insurance should not be neglected.


Legal Issues

Again this can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Eg. You may be legally responsible for accidents or damage that occur as a result of work you are undertaking



Recommended Courses


A good starting point is a foundation such as:


Certificate in Landscape Gardening
•Horticulture I
•Landscaping I
•Landscape Construction
•Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens
•Machinery and Equipment
•Plant Selection & Establishment
LANDSCAPE GARDENER

Landscape gardeners do the physical work of constructing a garden. Their work will involve soil shaping and preparation, planting plants, and a host of other tasks that may vary from job to job. These other tasks may include such things as:
•Laying Drainage
•Installing irrigation systems
•Paving
•Building Walls, Fences, Pergolas, Decks, Sheds, or any other structures
•Constructing water features
•Installing seats, tables, BBQ’s, Statues, etc.

Opportunities

Many landscape gardeners work for a small business with only 2-5 employees, either as the owner or one of a small number of employees.

Some find permanent employment in a larger organization (eg. a government parks department, large estate, or large building company).

Whilst some workplaces do offer a career structure with opportunities for advancement, most workplaces are unlikely to offer opportunities to be promoted to higher and higher positions, Landscape gardeners more commonly would learn their skills initially in a small organization, and them advance by moving on to either running their own business, or becoming a supervisor in a larger organization.

Who Employs Landscape Gardeners

-Most are self employed

-Project Managers

-Others are employed by Local Government Parks Departments, Large Estates (eg. Historic Properties such as the National Trust in the UK; Roads Departments, National Parks Authorities; Major Resorts, Large Property Development Companies, Zoos, etc.)

How to Distinguish Yourself from the Competition.

Most landscape managers value a sound knowledge of soils and plants, so a solid training in the fundamentals of horticulture and in particular plant identification will be a first step toward differentiating yourself from the landscapers labourer.

Beyond this certain skills are in demand with certain types of employers

The ability to construct from either wood or masonry (and preferably both), is a skill that is always in demand. Carpenters or at least people trained in woodwork to some degree will have an advantage in this industry.
Landscape gardeners need to understand tools and machinery and how to use them. They need to understand different types of materials as well.
Some landscape gardeners find their niche by offering specialist services (eg. Brick paving, building decks, water gardens, Rock wall construction etc). With a specialist skill and a sound reputation, you may forge a successful career as a sub contractor working for other landscapers, creating those components of their gardens which you do well.

Industry Bodies

Joining an industry body is not usually essential; but it can more often than not be beneficial to a career or a small business.
Professional institutes and Trade associations are useful to join, for:
•Networking with other professionals
•Staying up to date
•PR/ Marketing Advantages

Some landscape gardeners earn well above the average wage; and some well below.

Often landscape gardeners earn a very basic rate of pay, and not much more than a laborer, when working in a large organization or government department. Even self employed landscapers at times may not earn a particularly high income.
Career Risks & Stresses
Every job has certain risks associated with it.
Landscape gardeners face all the same risks as any other businessman when self employed.
A good starting point is a foundation such as:


Certificate in Landscape Gardening
•Horticulture I
•Landscaping I
•Landscape Construction
•Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens
•Machinery and Equipment
•Plant Selection & Establishment