Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What types of specialised plants apply to this standard?
Specialised plant may include weeping specimens, potted trees and shrubs, bulbs, bonsai, ferns, cacti, succulents, indoor foliage, espaliering, topiary, and ready-made hedges.

What enterprise quality standards may apply to preparing specialised plants?
Enterprise quality standards may include Nursery Industry Association of Australia (NIAA) Best Practice Guidelines, size of plants, shape, vigour and health.

What specialised treatments may be applied to specialised plants?
Treatments may include hormones, pruning, staking, wiring, growth regulators, root pruning and grafting.

What factors may affect the timing of plant treatments?
Factors affecting the timing of treatments may include stage of growth such as budburst or seedlings, time of year, climatic conditions and market requirements.

What OHS hazards may be associated with the preparation of specialised plants?
Hazards may include the use of chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools, manual handling, and operating spray equipment.

What materials, tools and equipment may be required?
Materials, tools and equipment may include growing media, pots, wire, string, support structures, secateurs, knives, water spray containers, sprayers, plant supports, ties, wheelbarrow, sack truck, hose and hose fittings, and rubbish bins.

What OHS requirements apply to this standard?
OHS requirements may include identifying hazards; assessing and reporting risks; cleaning, maintaining and storing tools and equipment; appropriate use of personal protective equipment including sun protection; safe operation of tools and equipment; safe handling, use and storage of chemicals and hazardous substances; correct manual handling; basic first aid; personal hygiene, and reporting problems to supervisors.

What aesthetic requirements may apply to preparing specialised plants?
Aesthetic requirements may include container shape, size and decoration, placement of plant in containers, shape, symmetry, balance, size, condition of plants, and potting mix used.

What environmental parameters may affect the growth of the plant?
Environmental parameters may include heat, wind, humidity and temperature.

What remedial or preventative measures may be relevant to this standard?
Preventative and remedial measures may include plant nutrition, pesticides, fungicides, growth regulators, growth promotants, and bio-agents. Application may be by mechanised or non-mechanised operations.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in preparing plant displays requires evidence that a person can select the plants requiring treatments, select the treatments, determine the timing for the treatments, apply the treatments, and apply preventative or remedial measures to the specialised plants.The skills and knowledge required to prepare the display must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different plants, display approaches, remedial actions and nursery situations.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

nursery Industry Association of Australia (NIAA) Best Practice Guide
characteristics of a range of potted plants commonly treated for special aesthetic purposes
different treatments which are applied to specialised plants to get desired aesthetic appearance
optimum timing of treatments
aftercare requirements of treated plants.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate with work team members, supervisors, suppliers and clients
interpret production/marketing plans and plant quality specifications
organise and co-ordinate planned activities
estimate treatment and plant requirements, sizes and quantities; and calculate ratios, proportions and application rates
co-ordinate work group, materials, equipment and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete operations in a timely manner.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to treating specialised plants will be required with the supervisor, work group, suppliers or clients. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Enterprise work procedures, production/propagation plan and plant quality specifications should be consulted, interpreted and applied to specialised plant production operations, with further clarification sought from the supervisor where necessary. (1)

Planning and organising activities
The preparation of specialised plants will require planning for plant selection, treatment and maintenance; selection and preparation of equipment and materials, and meeting seasonal requirements. These operations may have to be co-ordinated and organised around others' movements and work activities. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Specialised plant work may involve facilitating and leading members of a team to complete activities to plan and on time. Discussion of availability of suitable specimens, timing and application of treatments and remedial measures may need to be carried out with supervisors or others in the workplace. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calibrating spray equipment and determining quantities and application rates for treatment of specialised plants will require mathematical application. (1)

Solving problems
Seasonal variation; plant treatment and hygiene; client preferences, and timeline failures may require problem-solving techniques. (1)

Using technology
Technology may be required to access production/propagation plans and plant quality specifications, monitor application equipment, and keep records. (1)