Some of the situations to consider as follows as we continue to provide a service in our profession:
1. Deteriorating Governmental and Economic issues we need to consider as follows:
1.1 Where are we with the economies of the world and the consideration for our pricing methodology in securing and continuing with established and new contracts, locally and internationally.
1.2 The construction industry is taking huge strain.
1.3 Lack of investment from other countries into South Africa is very evident. Therefore, small businesses are suffering the most.
1.4 BEEE contractors also need training and the quality of work that is being produced is not conducive to producing excellence in our industry.
2. Clients’ expectations
2.1 Our clients expect a lot more for what they are paying and there seems to be more and more green industry players in the market who are prepared to undercut quotes and therefore not providing a professional service.
2.2 Potential clients also are looking for the lowest price and do not consider the job specifications that are indicated and also not being available to what the potential clients themselves require within a particular space.
3. Aspects relating to businesses
3.1 Our industry is not a desirable industry in terms of work opportunities. There needs to be more effective and better communication and good application of training skills needs to be provided.
3.2 Unfortunately, the declining industry, offering professional standards, is a concern and a thing of the past which affects the entire industry.
3.3 Women need more opportunities within our industry as it is seen as a male dominated world. Women have huge creative ability and understanding in design methodology.
4. Salary issues
The salary issues are also hugely concerning as again companies would rather pay the lowest salary even if they are not getting the expertise offered by the employee.
5. Broader context
5.1 The green industry particularly is not being considered in the broader context of construction related work and the industry to a large extent is being defaced by non-qualified people.
This has always been a problem.
5.2 The general consensus is huge training of work achievements is required. Covid is an issue, and is a stumbling block, as a lot of the training is on site or in a training room situation which can be discussed amongst the working profession rather than on an on-line training platform.
In conclusion, the green industry will always be around as gardens and landscapes have to be attended to. However, the perception of what we provide is different to what should be available out there in the marketplace offering experience and expertise and producing an excellent quality product.
- Contact Landscape Design Consultants International on e-mail at .
- Website details are https://www.ldconsultantsinternational.com or
- Cell contact number +27 82 570 5858 for consulting, training, mentorship and auditing.

Landscape Design Consultants International is owned and managed by Jo-Anne Hilliar, a professionally trained Landscape Designer who qualified with a Garden and Landscape Design Diploma through the University of Natal in 1990. In 2005 the company shifted its operational focus to offer landscape design consulting expertise in managing, overseeing and auditing expansive commercial, industrial and environmental sites in South Africa and internationally. Jo-Anne established the Landscape Design School in 2001. Read more…